Understanding Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global problem that affects children across cultures, nationalities and economic status. Under reporting of CSA is common. CSA remains a taboo issue that is sensitive to discuss, this often leads to stigma and shame. There are significant gaps in knowledge on the occurrence of CSA in Indonesia and this is reflected in fragmented and inconsistent responses. This can be seen in the literature review conducted for this thesis that found the contradictions in definitions of children within the laws have contributed to how and whether CSA cases are correctly recognised in Indonesia. These were based on the age of the child and their marital status; often this construction was especially discriminating against girls. Cultural practices can add to these difficulties as well as perpetuate myths or inaccuracies about the occurrence of CSA. As a result, there are challenges in understanding its prevalence. Indonesia has begun to recognise CSA as a significant problem requiring effective intervention and prevention. The national government has a strong national policy on child protection and commitment to addressing violence against children. This is consistent with the United Nations New Sustainable Development Goals which urge member countries to eliminate child violence, including CSA (World Health Organisation et al., 2016). This thesis specifically aims (i) to understand how CSA is perceived within current policy and law, and in doing so to elucidate the context and complexities of CSA, and (ii) to explore the various perspectives that stakeholders hold regarding CSA, and how the issues are addressed at the local level. In order to achieve the abovementioned aims, the thesis adopted a critical discourse analysis method. In particular, Bacchi’s WPR (What’s the Problem Represented to be) methodology was chosen due to the exploratory and conceptual gaps in understanding how CSA in Indonesia is conceived. This approach is particularly suitable for facilitating a better understanding regarding the assumptions and evidence used to construct Indonesian policy and law on CSA. The critical discourse analysis was comprised of two parts. First, it critically explored how CSA issues in Indonesia have been constructed and represented. Six government documents were analysed, namely two laws and four national policies, which are related to child protection. Second, the analysis investigated the problematisation of CSA among stakeholders, including their perspectives on the national policy and law on CSA prevention and intervention, and challenges in program implementation at the local level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders (7 people in Central Java Province, and 9 people in Surakarta City). These participants included local policy makers, public servants, health professionals, and relevant Non-Government Organisation representatives. The thesis identified five key findings. Firstly, main CSA problematisations were identified: children are a vulnerable, at risk and disempowered group; there is a lack of access and coordination on integrated services for children; and there is a lack of agreement and clarity across laws and policy in child protection. Perspectives across stakeholders at the local level confirmed these problematisations and their consequences. Second, the assumptions of power relations that feature in society, and across government institutions, contributed to the construction of CSA problematisations in Indonesia. These assumptions were related to cultural practices, and structural power created by the laws and policies. Third, the historic influence of Dutch colonial law within the current Indonesian child protection laws and policies, was identified. Fourth, the government texts were silent on discussing the issue of CSA due to the influence of cultural and religious beliefs, including the concept of taboo. Fifth, the silence about CSA in Indonesian policy discourse influenced the design and strategy of CSA prevention and intervention in the country. Given the limited adequate access to justice, protection, and services, children in Indonesia are at high risk and are vulnerable to sexual abuse. The issue of CSA might be thought about differently if dominant discourses are replaced. This thesis offers a way to replace the relevant aspects of the dominant discourse with alternative representations and conceptual frameworks that would likely have a less harmful effect. In summary, the policy and legal discourses on CSA have a significant potential to be transformed to construct and develop a more effective response to CSA prevention and intervention in Indonesia.