MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Director of the Alliance of United North Sumatra (ABS), Veryanto Sitohang, has urged the Indonesian government to officially recognize and protect women human rights defenders (PPHAM). His statement coincides with the International Women's Day 2026, which carries the theme "Give to Gain."
Veryanto stressed that
PPHAM deserve recognition and protection for dedicating their time, energy, and often risking personal safety to promote social justice, environmental protection, and
human rights.
"On the occasion of ABS's 20th anniversary and International Women's Day 2026, we call on the government to officially recognize and protect women defending human rights," he said.
Read Also: North Sumatra Police Boost Positive Image Through Partnerships with Islamic Organizations He added that the motto "Give to Gain" emphasizes that societal progress can only be achieved when women's contributions are acknowledged, valued, and supported. Yet in
North Sumatra, the reality for
PPHAM is far from ideal. Women who support violence victims, defend indigenous rights, or protect the environment are often ignored and targeted.
Threats and Attacks Against PPHAM
Veryanto highlighted that
PPHAM face serious risks in their work, including intimidation, terror, digital sexual violence, cyberattacks, and social stigmatization.
"The safe working space for women human rights defenders is shrinking. The state, which should provide protection, often fails," he noted.
Read Also: Indonesian Trade Minister Boosts North Sumatran SMEs: 9 Tons of Bananas Exported to Malaysia Eva Indriani, coordinator of ABS's Advocacy Division, described
PPHAM as a particularly vulnerable group due to insufficient protection. She cited DS, an environmental activist in
North Sumatra, who has fought for land rights and environmental protection for two decades.
"DS has repeatedly faced terror and intimidation—from sending animal carcasses to her home, to cyberattacks and spreading fake news aimed at discrediting her work," Eva explained.
Despite reporting incidents to the
North Sumatra and North Tapanuli police, law enforcement has taken no significant action. Eva added that DS must manage her own mental, social, and personal safety.
"If the state is absent, women human rights defenders must fight alone," she said. Similar vulnerabilities affect PPHAM advocating for the environment, women with disabilities, violence survivors, workers, farmers, indigenous communities, and others. These attacks aim not only at individuals but at suppressing broader advocacy efforts.
Read Also: Indonesian Women Activists Face Rising Threats of Cyber Violence ABS Demands Government ActionOn its 20th anniversary and International Women's Day 2026, ABS has issued several calls to action:
The Indonesian government must recognize and protect
PPHAM and other women
human rights defenders, allowing them to work without fear of intimidation, violence, or criminalization.North Sumatra police should immediately follow up on DS's reports and provide protection for her and other
PPHAM.The government must provide integrated restoration measures for affected defenders, including physical, psychological, social, and legal support.The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs must consistently address online attacks.Society should support women
human rights defenders and reject intimidation or violence.Civil society must show solidarity and strengthen
PPHAM's work in
North Sumatra and across Indonesia.
Eva emphasized that the motto "Give to Gain" reminds society that women's courage, energy, and commitment are essential to progress. She called on the state and society to ensure these contributions are not met with threats or violence.
"We wish everyone a happy International Women's Day 2026. It is time for women defending human rights to no longer fight alone," Eva urged. (IDNC)
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