Who We Are

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) is an independent state institution tasked with the enforcement of women’s human rights in Indonesia. Komnas Perempuan was established through Presidential Decree No. 181 of 1998 on October 9, 1998, and later reinforced by Presidential Regulation No. 65 of 2005 in conjunction with Presidential Regulation No. 8 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Presidential Regulation No. 65 of 2005 regarding the National Commission on Violence Against Women.

Komnas Perempuan emerged from the demands of civil society, particularly women, urging the government to fulfill its responsibility in responding to and addressing issues of violence against women. These demands were rooted in the tragedy of sexual violence primarily experienced by Chinese Indonesian women during the May 1998 riots in various major cities in Indonesia.

Komnas Perempuan has grown to become one of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), in accordance with the general criteria established under the Paris Principles. The active role of Komnas Perempuan has made it an exemplary institution for various stakeholders in developing and strengthening human rights mechanisms for the advancement of efforts to eliminate violence against women at local, national, regional, and international levels.

Framework Basis of Komnas Perempuan

• The Constitution, namely the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia

• Law No. 7 of 1984 concerning the Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

• Law No. 5 of 1998 concerning the Ratification of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)

• International Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as well as other policies concerning human rights.

Objectives of Komnas Perempuan

• To foster a conducive environment for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and the enforcement of women’s human rights in Indonesia.

• To enhance prevention and response efforts to all forms of violence against women and to protect women’s human rights.

Mandate and Authority

• To disseminate understanding of all forms of violence against Indonesian women and efforts for prevention, response, and elimination of such violence.

• To conduct studies and research on applicable laws and regulations, as well as relevant international instruments for the protection of women’s human rights.

• To carry out monitoring, including fact-finding and documentation of violence against women and human rights violations, and to share monitoring results with the public while taking steps to promote accountability and remedial action.

• To provide advice and recommendations to the government, legislative and judicial bodies, and civil society organizations to support the development and enactment of legal frameworks and policies that promote prevention, response, and elimination of violence against women, as well as the protection and advancement of women’s human rights.

• To develop regional and international cooperation to enhance efforts for prevention, response, and elimination of all forms of violence against Indonesian women, and for the protection, enforcement, and promotion of women’s human rights.

Roles of Komnas Perempuan

• Observer and reporter of gender-based human rights violations and the fulfillment of rights for women victims.

• Knowledge center (resource center) on women’s human rights.

• Catalyst for change and policy formulation.

• Negotiator and mediator between the government, victim communities, and women’s human rights advocates, emphasizing state responsibility in enforcing human rights and restoring victims’ rights.

• Facilitator for the development and strengthening of networks at local, national, regional, and international levels to prevent, enhance capacity for handling, and eliminate all forms of violence against women.

Vision

The establishment of a national framework and consensus for reform in the prevention of violence against women, the protection of women, and the rehabilitation of women victims of violence, within a gender-sensitive and cross-border human rights framework with women’s leadership.

Mission

• To encourage the establishment of state policy frameworks and support from civil society organizations in developing comprehensive and inclusive recovery systems for women victims of violence.

• To establish standard-setting for the prevention of violence against women, to be utilized by society, the state, and corporations.

• To strengthen cross-border movement infrastructure for capacity building and coordinated action towards the elimination of violence against women.

• To enhance state and societal support for strengthening women’s leadership in all fields, including protection for Women Human Rights Defenders.

• To strengthen the responsiveness, influence, and governance of Komnas Perempuan as a form of accountability for human rights mechanisms, particularly for the elimination of violence against women, in efforts to promote protection and advancement of women’s human rights.

Core Values

In carrying out its organizational functions and activities, Komnas Perempuan upholds the following seven (7) core values:

1. Humanity – recognizing that every person must be respected as a whole human being with equal dignity and worth.

2. Gender Equality and Justice – recognizing that the relationship between men and women is inherently equal, and that all social structures, systems, and organizational cultures should ensure no discrimination or oppression based on assumptions of gender role disparities.

3. Diversity – acknowledging that differences in ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, and culture must be respected, even celebrated, as diversity is a strength when managed properly.

4. Solidarity – emphasizing the importance of unity among stakeholders with shared visions and missions, including activists and victims, across local, national, and international levels, and across organizations with different backgrounds, as no single party can achieve a just and prosperous society alone.

5. Independence – maintaining autonomy by ensuring freedom and conducive conditions for the institution to act according to the needs and interests of enforcing women’s human rights without external pressures or obligations that may divert the institution from its vision and mission.

6. Accountability – ensuring transparency and responsibility to constituents and the broader public through clear mechanisms, as an obligation of every public institution.

7. Anti-Violence and Anti-Discrimination – ensuring that all organizational, negotiation, and work processes are free from violence and discrimination toward any party.