The decision by the Ethics Council of Election Organizers to dismiss KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy’ari due to ethical violations in a case of sexual misconduct against CAT, a member of the Overseas Election Committee in Den Haag, Netherlands, is still a hot topic of discussion in Jakarta. Media coverage and various comments from netizens on social media continue to circulate among the public. Many parties appreciate the decision made by the Ethics Council of Election Organizers (DKPP) regarding Hasyim Asy’ari.
Activists from various women’s organizations and human rights groups view the decision as a positive precedent that aligns with efforts to prevent sexual violence crimes within the election organizing environment. On the other hand, the public is specifically scrutinizing both individuals involved in the DKPP decision. Sharp criticisms are not only directed towards KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy’ari but also towards CAT, who was the victim of sexual violence by Hasyim.
Comments regarding CAT vary. Despite the DKPP decision clearly stating that Hasyim was found guilty of ethical violations and misconduct as an election organizer, there are still differing opinions on the case. Even though CAT is the victim, she still faces „biased“ views from some individuals, especially on social media. Various questions are raised regarding the incident that CAT reported to the DKPP when she appeared to provide testimony to the press after the DKPP decision.
Many netizens suggest that this case was consensual, with some even opining that if there was a request for marriage, CAT must have been „willing.“ These are the various public opinions that CAT has to face with resilience. For CAT, who currently works at a multinational company in the Netherlands, the DKPP decision to impose a permanent dismissal on Hasyim shows that justice is on her side.
In an interview with Kompas, CAT expressed gratitude for the DKPP decision. She did not expect that after about 10 months of struggle, the case of sexual violence she experienced would receive significant attention from the DKPP. Her complaint was accepted, processed, and resulted in a permanent dismissal sanction against the KPU Chairman for violating the code of ethics.
„I am very grateful to God Almighty. God has provided a path that I never imagined,“ said CAT in a conversation with Kompas on Saturday night, as quoted from Kompas.id. Apart from the DKPP, CAT also appreciates the media outlets that followed the process at the DKPP after her complaint was submitted until the DKPP decision was issued on July 3.
„I express my appreciation to the media that supported me from the beginning to the end, and perhaps will still be needed in the future. I also have the highest appreciation for those who dare to defend justice. Without them, I would not have been able to endure,“ said CAT.
She also extended her gratitude to her legal counsel from the Consultation and Legal Aid Institute at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia, and all those who supported her cause, especially the activists from women’s organizations and human rights groups.
The issue of mutual consent allegations is further elaborated upon, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by victims of sexual violence in seeking justice and support. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability within election organizing bodies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
