Written by Ghera Imroatusshalihah, Winner of IPAS Indonesia Foundation’s Reproductive Justice Writing Competition.
The policy on abortion for victims of sexual violence in Indonesia seems to be a breath of fresh air with the issuance of Government Regulation No. 28 Year 2024 on Health. This regulation provides an exception for victims of rape and other acts of sexual violence to have an abortion with a pregnancy limit not exceeding 14 weeks. However, in social reality, the implementation of this policy is far from ideal. Many women do not understand their reproductive rights, especially in the context of abortion. The rights that should give them control over their own bodies are often obscured by the shadows of patriarchy, myths and social stigma.
The main obstacle women face in demanding their reproductive rights is the dominance of patriarchy that has been deeply rooted in culture and social systems. This patriarchy is often supported by myths that have been passed down through generations. One of the most detrimental myths is the assumption that every woman has a naturally inherent maternal instinct. This view is then used to judge women who choose abortion, as if they are denying their nature as mothers. In fact, the decision to have an abortion for victims of sexual violence is not simply a matter of avoiding responsibility, but rather an attempt to save themselves from the multiple traumas they must endure.
In addition, pressure from family and society is also a factor that makes it difficult for women to fight for their reproductive rights. Many victims of sexual violence are forced to marry their perpetrators as a form of “accountability”. These marriages are often made without considering the mental and physical readiness of the victim, which ultimately prolongs their suffering. As expressed by Ester Lianawati in her book Akhir Pejantanan Dunia, women are often represented as passive objects, just empty vases or land that is ready to be cultivated without having control over their own bodies and lives.
The reality of reproductive injustice can be seen from the story of a woman I know well. This victim of sexual violence, who was 17 years old, was forced into marriage due to family and community pressure. Marriage, which was supposed to be a solution, became the beginning of new suffering. Her husband did not want to work and only depended on his parents, while the victim had to earn a living to support her child. The burden was so heavy that she had to migrate to work, until she had an accident that broke her leg. With no money for treatment, she had to spend the rest of her life bedridden, while the community continued to judge her. Ironically, women in Indonesia still feel ashamed to buy contraceptives, but at the same time are not given a fair choice in managing their own bodies.
Given the complexity of this issue, reproductive justice should start from the most basic environment: the family. Comprehensive sexual education should be instilled from an early age so that women can understand their rights and have the collective awareness to fight against existing stigmas. Society also needs to change their perspective on reproductive issues, by no longer considering it as a taboo, but rather as part of fundamental human rights.
Reproductive justice for women is not only about access to reproductive health services, but also about giving women choices that are entirely in their own hands. No woman should be forced to accept a decision she does not want to make, especially when it stems from the violence they have experienced. Therefore, the state and society have a responsibility to provide recovery services that include social rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and social reintegration for victims of sexual violence. That way, they can make clear decisions and be empowered over their own bodies and lives.
If reproductive justice continues to be ignored, women will be further marginalized, not only in the social sphere, but also in decisions over their own bodies and futures. Society must stop seeing reproductive rights as a moral issue and start understanding that it is a matter of justice and humanity. By giving women the choices they deserve and supporting them in their decisions, we can create a fairer world for all.
Bibliography
Lianawati, E. (2022). The End of World Militancy. Jakarta: EA Books.
National Commission on Violence Against Women. (2024). Komnas Perempuan’s Position Statement on Abortion Provisions for Victims of Sexual Violence in Government Regulation No. 28 Year 2024 on Health. Accessed from https://komnasperempuan.go.id/pernyataan-sikap-detail/pernyataan-sikap-komnas-perempuan-terhadap-ketentuan-aborsi-bagi-korban-tindak-pidana-kekerasan-seksual-dalam-pp-no-28-tahun-2024-tentang-kesehatan.
