Women’s Rights Urgently Needed in New Criminal Procedure Code

Advocacy Group Demands Gender-Sensitive Protections

The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) is pushing for the inclusion of women’s rights in the draft Code of Criminal Procedure (RKUHAP), citing critical gaps in the current legal framework. The organization emphasizes the need to address the specific needs of women across all stages of legal proceedings.

Protecting Women in the Justice System

The commission’s chair, Maria Ulfah Anshor, stated that the existing criminal procedure code fails to offer adequate protection for women involved with the law, whether as victims, witnesses, suspects, defendants, or convicts. She highlighted that current provisions often overlook gender-specific needs.

“In many cases, women victims of violence are still treated merely as evidence (rather than individuals), while the state has not yet addressed the aspects of justice and recovery for the impact of the crimes that they have experienced.”

—Maria Ulfah Anshor, Chair of Komnas Perempuan

Call for Meaningful Legislative Input

Komnas Perempuan is urging the House of Representatives (DPR) to ensure that women’s perspectives are genuinely incorporated into all phases of the RKUHAP’s deliberations. This participation is deemed essential to ensure the revised code reflects the lived experiences and justice-seeking needs of women, while also tackling systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.

Globally, countries are working to improve legal frameworks for women. For instance, a 2023 report by UN Women noted that 1 in 4 countries had laws that did not adequately protect women from domestic violence, highlighting the ongoing need for legal reform (UN Women, 2023).

The RKUHAP is currently in the process of formulation and synchronization within the DPR, with opportunities for public input. Komnas Perempuan’s advocacy aims to prevent women from being sidelined and to ensure they receive equitable treatment and justice.