Nabiila Azzahra, Jakarta – Gender-based violence against women in Indonesia has not been addressed with an appropriate gravity. Coinciding with the country's 80th Independence Day, the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) warned that there have been over 2 million cases of violence against women in the past nine years.
The Annual Report of Komnas Perempuan shows that from 2015 to 2024, there were 2,705,210 cases of gender-based violence against women. "These cases have not been addressed optimally in terms of investigation, handling, and recovery for the victims," said Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Chatarina Pancer Istiyani in a press release on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Based on the 2024 annual records, the total number of reported violence against women to Komnas Perempuan and partners reached 445,502 cases, a 9.77 percent surge compared to 2023's 401,975 cases.
Komnas Perempuan Independence Day report
In the context of Indonesia's Independence Day, Komnas Perempuan also underscored several other issues deemed problematic for women, one of which was the armed conflict in Papua. "The situation of conflict in Papua directly affects women's lives," said Chatarina.
Komnas Perempuan also noted the issue of 12 percent VAT in Indonesia, which is feared to impact the prices of basic needs across the country.
Regarding development policies, Komnas Perempuan emphasized the existence of human rights violations and environmental destruction behind a number of National Strategic Projects (PSN). "In the long run, this can trigger threats to food, energy, and the economy and further endanger the welfare of women," said Chatarina.
Komnas Perempuan added that women hold key roles to advance human rights and democracy in Indonesia, as well as in various development sectors such as politics, economy, socio-cultural, education, health, agriculture, fisheries, the environment, technology, and public policies.
According to the women's rights organization, this role and contribution should be a concern for policymakers at the national and regional levels to allow for women's perspectives within the conversations of national issues.
"Behind the independence, women still face unresolved problems, including violence and discrimination, poverty, human rights violations, intolerance, as well as limited access and justice in the legal system," said Commissioner Daden Sukendar.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, and/or gender-based violence, please contact the nearest authorities and organizations. If you're in Indonesia, you can call Pulih Foundation at (021) 78842580, Komnas Perempuan at (021) 80605399, or the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection's SAPA Service 129 at 08111 129 129. For immediate dangers, call the police at Call Center 110.