Komnas Perempuan Meets East Sumba Local Government to Discuss Access to Services and Harmful Practices Affecting Women

East Sumba, 1 July 2026 — The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) met with the East Sumba Regency Government. The meeting brought together East Sumba Regent Umbu Lili Pekuwali and Vice Regent Yonathan Hani. The meeting aimed to present Komnas Perempuan’s mandate, discuss the availability and accessibility of services, particularly the implementation of the Law on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS), and address inter-agency coordination in responding to cases of violence against women.

The discussion highlighted several challenges, including challenges in delivering services across geographically dispersed areas and budget cuts introduced in 2026, which have led to cuts in various programs, including the provision of healthcare personnel. The East Sumba Regency Government explained that, despite the significant challenges posed by budget adjustments, it remained committed to maintaining service delivery while making use of available resources. It also emphasized the importance of collaboration with partner institutions, including Komnas Perempuan, to ensure that policies remain responsive to survivors’ needs and do not create additional barriers to accessing services.

The discussion also addressed longstanding social inequalities in East Sumba, particularly the traditional social hierarchy associated with ata and maramba communities. The local government acknowledged that these social practices persist in some areas where development and infrastructure remain limited. However, it noted that the situation has undergone considerable change, with social initiatives emerging from various stakeholders. The local government viewed these developments as an opportunity to strengthen the principles of justice and respect for the dignity of all people.

Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak emphasized that traditional social relations must be considered in the context of women's protection. She stressed the importance of the local government continuously evaluating practices that may undermine gender equality and increase women’s vulnerability to discrimination and violence.

The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening cooperation between the local government and Komnas Perempuan. Both parties agreed that protecting women is not the responsibility of a single institution, but a collective effort involving the government, communities, and other strategic partners. The East Sumba Regency Government concluded the meeting by reaffirming its commitment to improving public services, strengthening protection systems, and pursuing systemic reforms to address harmful practices that perpetuate injustice against women.

The meeting was part of Komnas Perempuan's monitoring of the State's compliance with its obligation to eliminate discrimination and violence against women. Participants included Commissioner Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak, staff members from the International Advocacy Division, and Martha Hebi, founder of SOPAN Sumba, representing civil society.