Public Policy, Patriarchal Culture, and Feudalism: Challenges in Combating Sexual Violence against Women in Indonesia

Abstract

Sexual violence against women in Indonesia remains a serious issue despite the enactment of various regulations, including the Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS). This study aims to evaluate the challenges and formulate measures that the government can undertake to address sexual violence by examining the interrelation between patriarchal culture, feudalism, and public policy. The research employs a literature review method, analyzing scholarly works, official data, and reports from relevant organizations. The findings reveal that the dominance of patriarchal culture and the legacy of feudalism constitute major structural factors that hinder the effectiveness of legal protection for victims. The implementation of the UU TPKS still faces significant obstacles, including delays in drafting implementing regulations, the lack of a victim-centered perspective among law enforcement officers, and the inadequate quality of victim recovery services. Furthermore, inter-agency coordination within the government remains weak, and human rights–based sexual education has not been widely integrated. The study concludes that structural reforms are urgently needed, encompassing the acceleration of technical regulations, institutional cultural reform, strengthening victim support services, and mainstreaming gender equality education across all sectors to ensure the effective prevention and handling of sexual violence.Keywords: Public policy, patriarchy, feudalism, women, sexual violence.