The Effectiveness of the Sexual Violence Crimes Law (UU TPKS) in Protecting Women’s Human Rights: An Analysis of Gender Bias and Law Enforcement Challenges
Keywords:
TPKS Law, sexual violence, women, legal feminism, human rightsAbstract
The development of criminal law in Indonesia has advanced notably with the enactment of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS), marking a milestone in protecting female victims. Despite this progress, enforcement faces significant challenges, including cultural resistance, difficulties in evidence gathering, and a lack of gender sensitivity among law enforcement. This study analyzes the TPKS Law’s implementation concerning women's human rights and identifies structural and social barriers hindering justice for victims. It focuses on how the law has been applied in sexual violence cases and examines ongoing gender inequalities and human rights violations in practice. Using a juridical-sociological method with case studies of court decisions and interviews with victims, lawyers, and officials, the research draws on legal feminism and gender-based human rights theories. Initial results show that although the TPKS Law offers a progressive framework, patriarchal institutional practices obstruct real justice. The study recommends a more gender-responsive approach and comprehensive training for law enforcement to better safeguard women's rights..
References
Siti Shalima Safitri dkk., “Quo Vadis Keadilan Restoratif pada Perkara Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual Pasca Undang-Undang Nomor 12 Tahun 2022 tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual (Studi Terhadap Pasal 23 UU TPKS),” Jurnal Hukum dan HAM Wara Sains 2, no. 01 (2023): 29–44, https://doi.org/10.58812/jhhws.v2i01.173.
“UU No. 12 Tahun 2022,” Database Peraturan | JDIH BPK, diakses 8 Desember 2025, http://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/207944/uu-no-12-tahun-2022.
Dwi Dasa Suryantoro, “Efektivitas Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Korban Pemerkosaan Dalam Undang-Undang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual (UU TPKS),” USRAH: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Islam 5, no. 2 (2024): 298–309.
United Nations. (1979). Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW). United Nations.
Komisi Nasional Anti Kekerasan terhadap Perempuan. (2023). Catatan tahunan kekerasan terhadap perempuan 2023. Komnas Perempuan.
Arief, B. N. (2018). Masalah penegakan hukum dan kebijakan hukum pidana dalam penanggulangan kejahatan. Kencana.
Merry, S. E. (2006). Human rights and gender violence: Translating international law into local justice. University of Chicago Press.
