Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—has become a critical issue in Indonesia, but the term remains largely unfamiliar to the public and is not yet recognized as a distinct crime in the country’s legal system. The Report data Femisida 2023, compiled by the Perkumpulan Lintas Feminis Jakarta (Jakarta Feminist), highlights the urgency of addressing this issue, with 180 documented femicide cases across 38 provinces in 2023 alone. Despite the absence of legal recognition, the data reveals a systemic problem that calls for immediate action.
Femicide is defined as the deliberate killing of women because of their gender, and it is often a reflection of broader issues such as patriarchal dominance, misogyny, and gender-based power imbalances. Despite its increasing prevalence globally, Indonesia has yet to include femicide in its legal terminology, creating significant gaps in both understanding and prosecuting these crimes. Currently, femicide is treated as general criminal activity, without acknowledging the gender-specific motivations behind the killings.
Key Findings from the Femicide Report 2023
1. Prevalence and Demographics:
94% of perpetrators are male, with 36% of both victims and perpetrators falling in the 26-40 age range. Many of these crimes occur in intimate or familiar relationships.
2. Methods and Motives:
Physical violence (36%) is the most common method, with communication issues (26%), jealousy, or romantic disputes frequently cited as motives.
3. Geographical Distribution:
A large portion of the cases are concentrated on Java Island, with East Java, West Java, and Central Java accounting for the highest numbers.
4. Legal and Media Response:
Many femicide cases are underreported or sensationalized, with only 38% of perpetrators receiving legal punishment, highlighting the justice system’s failures.
The collection of femicide data in Indonesia is still in its infancy. Komnas Perempuan began initial documentation efforts in 2013, with a more detailed qualitative analysis conducted in 2017. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that a quantitative study was initiated, marking the first attempt to systematically calculate the scale of femicide in Indonesia. The 2023 collaboration between Jakarta Feminist and Komnas Perempuan expanded these efforts, but comprehensive data collection remains a work in progress. One significant gap is the lack of formal records on state-perpetrated femicide. These cases, where violence is committed or facilitated by state actors, are often obscured or unreported, raising issues of state accountability.
Although femicide has yet to be legally recognized, Indonesia has taken steps toward victim protection through PERMA No. 3 of 2017 and PERMA No. 1 of 2020. These regulations improve access to justice for victims of gender-based violence but fall short of addressing the specific nature of femicide. Advocacy for the legal recognition of femicide, alongside stronger enforcement of these laws, is essential for achieving justice.
How Can We Play a Role?
Angsamerah, as both a healthcare provider and a foundation, is in a unique position to address the health-related aspects of femicide while advocating for broader societal change.
1. Trauma-Informed Care:
Victims of gender-based violence require both physical and psychological support. Angsamerah’s mental health services are well-equipped to handle counseling, but there is an opportunity to develop specialized post-trauma recovery programs for survivors of extreme violence.
2. Screening for Domestic Violence:
Angsamerah can incorporate routine screenings for domestic violence in its clinics, identifying women at risk of femicide. Immediate intervention through counseling and protective measures could be lifesaving.
3. Emergency Support:
Collaborating with shelters and law enforcement, Angsamerah could provide emergency care and safe spaces for women at immediate risk, ensuring a coordinated response to prevent further violence.
Femicide in Indonesia is a growing concern that demands a multifaceted approach, addressing both the legal and societal dimensions of the issue. Angsamerah, with its dual role as a healthcare provider and advocacy foundation, can lead the charge in improving victim care, raising public awareness, and advocating for stronger legal protections. By doing so, Angsamerah can help create a future where women live free from the threat of violence, supported by systems that prioritize their safety and well-being.