First of all, I lack confidence. Because what I want to say, I have to know the things I want to say. I have to know the content first.
Sri Wahyuni is a community cadre in Semarang Regency, Central Java.
Sri is one of 20 residents who are members of the Arkasa community. A group in Bergas Lor Village, Bergas Sub-district, Semarang Regency, Central Java, who are trained to become advocates for victims of violence.
For Sri, the issue of violence such as domestic violence is not unfamiliar. Many residents, especially women, often complain to her. This cannot be separated from Sri’s position as an active member of the family welfare movement (PKK) since 2010. Ten years later, she became the Chairperson of the PKK.
“Before Arkasa, there was a lot of violence in Bergas Lor Village. It was just not covered and we didn’t know how to assist. Because we ourselves didn’t know where the violence would lead,” Sri recalled.
In fact, she admitted that she often received complaints from her citizens. “Sometimes people vent. It’s just that they can’t talk to anyone. Then, the violence is handled secretly,” he said.
IPAS Indonesia Foundation launched the ARUNIKA project (Empowered Women for Violence-Free Indonesia) in November 2024 with the working areas of 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.
The beginning of Arkasa
Arkasa itself was formed in February 2025, initiated by IPAS Indonesia Foundation’s partner LBH APIK Semarang through the ARUNIKA project.
For Sri, Arkasa means a strong and resilient child. She hopes that with the Arkasa community, residents in her village will be resilient in dealing with violence that occurs. The residents are also strong in preventing and handling cases of violence.
When Arkasa was first formed, Sri was contacted by the village administration. After that, Sri showed her willingness to coordinate with LBH APIK Semarang. Her initial task was to find other members to join Arkasa. To date, there are a total of 20 members.
“Finding people is not easy. For example, if they are not able, we also cannot force their time. Because we look for people who are able and willing first, we continue to form them,” Sri recalls.
After forming, Sri and 19 Arkasa members participated in training ranging from the basics of gender, violence to how to provide victim assistance from LBH APIK Semarang. After the training, they participate in bi-monthly meetings to share their experiences and challenges in handling cases.
“The training made me open about reproductive health. Then we also have simulations in court, and we are also trained to, for example, assist cases so that the case is not revealed anywhere, we know all that knowledge from them,” she said.
From training to case mentoring
Since the training, Sri admitted that she has handled two cases of violence for the May-October 2025 period. Both are domestic violence cases. Both cases are still in the process of being assisted because they are tailored to the victim’s wishes. She is also still coordinating with LBH APIK Semarang because there are cases that require further assistance.
“This is my first time assisting victims of violence. Yes, I still feel nervous. Can I do it? Because I have never met face to face with people in legal institutions, I’m afraid I will say the wrong thing,” she said.
Despite her lack of confidence, Sri continues to pursue this path. To introduce Arkasa and the issue of violence, she often held meetings with residents to educate them on the importance of knowing about the issue and how to access help in the event of violence.In the June-August 2025 period, Sri and Arkasa have conducted 13 meetings to socialize the issue of violence.
From Sri we learn that caring can encourage us to keep learning. She was hesitant but willing and concerned to take part in the issue of violence. She is living proof that change begins with one’s courage to take part. Sri is not just a cadre, she is a hope for other women who are still struggling in silence.
