September 3, 2026 | 12:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A refugee from the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is suspected to have been a victim of sexual violence at a shelter. The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, stated that they have received reports of this and are taking action.
"We are handling it and coordinating our efforts," she said when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Arifah explained that the victim is currently receiving assistance from the Ministry of PPPA. The victim is a teenager. "One person, (aged) 15 years," said Arifah. However, she did not disclose the identity of the alleged perpetrator of the sexual violence.
Arifah highlighted the security vulnerability at the shelter. According to her, there should be separate tents specifically for women and children. However, in reality, the refugee tents for earthquake victims still consist of men, women, and children.
She stated that her ministry is working collectively with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. All of these agencies have descended upon the location directly. Arifah has determined that these tents are intended for women and children.
"There are still some mixed tents, but it takes time for further data collection," she said.
She mentioned that the government has tried to minimize the possibility of unwanted incidents, including sexual violence. However, it continues to occur. "Perhaps due to certain reasons, it is still happening. But we are directly handling this," said Arifah.
Previously, the Speaker of NTT Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Emelia J. Nomleni urged earthquake-affected communities in Flores to focus not only on distributing aid but also on strengthening the protection of vulnerable groups in shelters. According to her, women and children are vulnerable groups that need extra protection while at the shelter.
Emelia warned of the potential for sexual violence amid the refugee conditions, thus requiring serious preventive measures and supervision. "Protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and children, must be strengthened while at the shelter," she said at the NTT Regional Leadership Coordination Forum in Kupang on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Read: Indonesia Speeds Up Repairs at Earthquake-Damaged Airports in NTT
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