Indonesia faces rising violence against women and children amid declining protection budgets

In Lebak Regency, the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) recorded 124 cases of violence and harassment against women and children between January and early October 2026. The figures include 77 cases involving children and 47 involving women. Officials noted that perpetrators are frequently individuals known to the victims. A primary trigger identified for these cases is the misuse of social media, specifically the consumption of vulgar content by perpetrators.

Nationally, concerns have been raised regarding the declining budget of the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA). According to Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, the ministry's budget decreased from Rp300 billion in 2024 to Rp153 billion in 2025, and further dropped to Rp133 billion in 2026. Lawmakers have expressed concern that this fiscal reduction may hinder the ministry's ability to fulfill its broad mandate to protect women and children across Indonesia.