Jakarta – The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection has firmly stated that there is no excuse, including religion, that can justify acts of sexual harassment and violence.

“There is no excuse whatsoever, including religion, that can justify acts of sexual violence,” the Minister said in Jakarta, responding to a sexual abuse case involving two children allegedly abused by a religious leader in Bekasi Regency, West Java.

It was added that the Ministry is coordinating with local governments to provide assistance and support to the victims’ families.

“We continue to coordinate with the Women and Children Protection Technical Implementation Units of Bekasi City, Bekasi Regency, and West Java Province to provide assistance and accompaniment for the victims’ families – both legal and psychological support – to ensure they can optimally participate in the legal process and receive rehabilitative care,” the statement said.

The two victims, identified only as S and Z, have received various support services from the Bekasi Regency protection unit.

Services provided to the victims include complaint handling and psychological services for both victims and their families, carried out by the Bekasi City unit.

Further psychological treatment and assessments have been provided twice, along with legal assistance facilitated by the Bekasi Regency unit.

Ongoing coordination and monitoring of the case handling are conducted by the West Java unit.

“The state is present to ensure that the victims’ rights are fulfilled and that justice is served. We also express our condolences to the victims over this incident and hope both remain strong throughout the recovery and legal processes ahead,” the statement added.

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. Historically known as Batavia during Dutch colonial rule, it has served as a major trading port and administrative center for centuries. Today, it is a bustling, sprawling metropolis that reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage and rapid economic development.

Bekasi Regency

Bekasi Regency is a regency located in West Java, Indonesia, surrounding the independent city of Bekasi. Historically, it was part of the ancient Tarumanagara and Sunda Kingdoms, with its modern administrative form established in the 1950s. Today, it is a major industrial and residential hub supporting the Jakarta metropolitan area.

West Java

West Java is a province of Indonesia located on the island of Java, historically home to the powerful Sunda Kingdom and later the Sultanate of Banten. It is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes like the volcanic highlands of Bandung, and the UNESCO-recognized Sangiran Early Man Site which highlights the region’s importance in human evolution. Today, it is a major economic and cultural hub, blending traditional arts like *wayang golek* (wooden puppet theater) with modern urban centers.

Bekasi City

Bekasi City is a rapidly growing industrial and residential hub located in West Java, Indonesia, on the eastern border of Jakarta. Historically, it was part of the ancient Tarumanagara kingdom, with evidence of its early significance found in inscriptions like the Tugu inscription. Today, it is a key component of the Jakarta metropolitan area, known for its modern factories, housing estates, and urban development.

West Java Province

West Java Province is a region on the Indonesian island of Java, historically home to the powerful Sunda Kingdom and later a core part of the Dutch East Indies colonial administration. It is renowned for its vibrant Sundanese culture, scenic highland landscapes like Bandung, and significant ancient sites such as the Batujaya archaeological complex. Today, it is Indonesia’s most populous province and a major economic and cultural hub.