KLSCAH Women said the passing of the sexual violence crime bill by the Indonesian parliament on April 12 was a huge milestone for the people in the republic, especially its women and children.

Under the bill, physical sexual abuse – both inside and outside of marriage – is punishable by up to 12 years in prison, sexual exploitation is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and dissemination of unlicensed pornography is punishable by up to four years of imprisonment.

KLSCAH Women said despite several shortcomings in the bill, it was a big step forward in eradicating all forms of sexual violence, especially as it made it easier to report cases of sexual violence.

“In addition, the Indonesian government could overcome opposition from local conservatives and introduce this bill that has gained public support, which also requires great political courage,” it said in a statement.

The Malaysian government has its own sexual harassment bill whose tabling in Parliament has been postponed several times over the last two years. The bill has been in the works since 2020 and is now expected to be tabled in July.