In a number of villages in Central Java, cases of violence, especially sexual violence, are often a closely guarded secret. Victims often choose to remain silent, generally due to fear and shame. Family support is also rare because violence is considered a disgrace. In silence, many victims bear their wounds silently.
Every victim of violence, wherever they are, should be able to report to the nearest service with a sense of security. That way, they can get services according to their needs and rights. That “should” is what the ARUNIKA (Women Empowered Towards a Violence-Free Indonesia) project is working towards.
One strategy to bring services closer to victims is to involve the community as advocates for victims of violence.
IPAS Indonesia Foundation launched the ARUNIKA project in November 2024 with working areas in Surakarta City, Semarang Regency and Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java Province.ARUNIKA aims to improve access to quality services for violence against women and children. LBH APIK Semarang is one of the partners of this project.
“We in the community also need people who can work for humanity, care about the issues of women and children. So these cadres are expected to be a place or forum for the community to be able to uphold justice against access to violence,” said Rulia Iva Dhalina, Staff of LBH APIK Semarang.
Rulia Iva Dhalina, who is familiarly called Ruli, added that 40 cadres (until December 2025) in two villages in Semarang Regency have become her partners. The cadres are members of two communities, namely the Arkasa community in Bergas Lor Village and Justisia Arunika in Panjang Village.
LBH APIK Semarang began recruiting the 40 cadres in November 2024. In the early stages, Rulia coordinated with kelurahan staff until she was given the names of potential cadres to join the community. After that, Ruli contacted the candidates to confirm their willingness and commitment.
Strengthening the capacity of cadres through training
All cadres in the two communities have completed two full days of training in the March-April 2025 period using the Warga Bisa Desa Bisa module developed by LBH APIK Semarang. The contents of the module include gender, counseling, first aid for victims of violence, and mentoring practices.
“Initially, the cadres did not understand gender-based violence. And also about gender injustice [they also didn’t understand],” Ruli recalled.
The training was conducted using interactive methods. Starting from exposure, discussion, to simulation. The participants were invited to play a role when providing counseling to victims. In addition, they also simulated how to undergo a case trial.
One of the training participants, Sri Wahyuni, said that the material provided had opened her horizons to reproductive health and gender issues, which were previously unknown.
“[The training] opened my eyes to reproductive health, violence against women and the law,” she said.
After the training, the cadres discuss in bi-monthly meetings. They share their experiences on how to assist cases of violence in each community.
Helping hands become the strength of cadres
Ruli admitted that LBH APIK Semarang cannot work alone to assist cases of violence. So, although this is a new thing, the involvement of cadres is done after careful consideration.
One of the considerations is to bring access closer. For example, victims do not need to report to the city but can contact cadres in their village.So far, people usually report to LBH APIK Semarang, which is located in Semarang City, which is quite far from the villages.
“In addition, if there are cadres, it is hoped that they can also pick up the ball to the victims. So it’s not necessarily that the victim comes to the community, to the secretariat like that. And that is also a breakthrough so that people can increasingly realize the violence or injustice that occurs. So that they will easily access justice itself,” he said.
According to Ruli, the learning from strengthening capacity is from the spirit of helping each other from the cadres themselves. That way, they can and voluntarily become part of assisting cases of violence in their village.
“Yes, there are residents who help residents or residents who help residents here, so the cadres can implement what they have learned. If they only learn theory and not practice, it will be lost. But they have a calling to provide assistance,” he concluded.
From the completion of the training in May 2025, two communities have assisted two victims.
How can this training strengthen cadres in assisting victims of violence? Check out the story here.
