Commemorating International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Commemorating International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 

“The Sustainable Recovery of Women Victims of Terrorism Must Not Be Abandoned” 

Jakarta, August 26, 2025 

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) provides full support for the handling and recovery of women victims of terrorism who face various obstacles in accessing and obtaining their rights as victims. 

Komnas Perempuan encourages Ministries/Institutions, as well as the Central and Regional Governments, to continue building coordination spaces with victims and survivors of acts of terrorism who still need multi-faceted support, ranging from health, medical treatment, education costs, economic and welfare, as well as support to be free from the stigma faced as victims. 

“Many women who are victims of terrorism also face stigma and discrimination, especially when the impact of terrorism causes them to be with permanent disabilities, such as deafness, blindness, physical disability, and others,” expressed Dahlia Madanih, Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan. 

Dahlia explained that the implementation of the first phase of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (RAN PE) in 2020–2024 is a crucial modality for continuing support for victims. One way to achieve this is through the participation of central and regional governments in mapping and collecting data on terrorism victims. This data allows for the continuity of consistent and coordinated support. 

Komnas Perempuan is currently monitoring the development of the second phase of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism for 2025–2029, which will feature nine priority themes. According to Komnas Perempuan Chairperson Maria Ulfah Anshor, these themes reflect the key issues faced by ten target groups: women, students, children, youth, former terrorist convicts, religious minorities, civil servants, and state administrators. 

The implementation of the second phase of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is not a new program that is separate from crucial issues experienced by women, such as violence in the private, public, and state spheres; child marriage; acts of intolerance; discriminatory regulations; and the politicization of religion and identity. 

Commissioner Daden Sekendar conveyed four key recommendations from Komnas Perempuan for the implementation of the next phase of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. First, a special referral mechanism is crucial for supporting and recovering women victims of terrorism, as the patterns of violence and its handling differ significantly from those of gender-based violence (GBV). 

Might be easier to understand if written as ‘Second, strengthen the ability of victim organisations/associations to follow up with local governments on access to services and fulfillment of victims’ rights, especially in regards to health and the recovery from trauma in a sustainable manner (psychological and psychosocial, economic, family education, social welfare). 

Third, identify victims with various levels of need, for example victims who still need to be followed up both medically and psychologically, and victims who need special attention. 

Fourth, provide support for the role and involvement of women’s leadership in maintaining efforts of prevention, protection, and a culture of peace through out various sectors of national life. 

Contact Person: Elsa Faturahmah (081389371400)