Sunday, 02 August 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier visited the PERMAMPU-PESADA office and the Women's Crisis Centre (WCC) Sinceritas in Medan on Wednesday (May 13, 2026). The visit aimed to observe firsthand the work of civil society organizations in protecting women, preventing gender-based violence, and delivering inclusive support services for women and vulnerable groups.
The visit is part of Australia's ongoing support through the INKLUSI program, a joint initiative between the Governments of Australia and Indonesia focused on advancing gender equality, disability rights, and social inclusion.Strengthening Indonesia–Australia Cooperation in Social Protection
Read Also:During his visit, Brazier toured case handling and counseling facilities at WCC Sinceritas. He also held discussions with representatives from PERMAMPU-PESADA, One Stop Service and Learning (OSS&L) cadres, the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA), the Women and Children Service Unit of the police (UPPA), and PERMAMPU's disaster response team.
"Programs like PERMAMPU demonstrate that cross-sector collaboration can drive real change, especially in empowering women and protecting women and children. The Indonesia–Australia partnership under INKLUSI reflects a shared commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive society," said Rod Brazier.
WCC Sinceritas: Frontline Support for Survivors of ViolenceOperating under the PESADA division, WCC Sinceritas focuses on preventing and responding to gender-based violence. The center provides services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse affecting women and children.
Read Also:Beyond direct assistance, the center also strengthens legal advocacy efforts, including support for the implementation of Indonesia's Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS).
PERMAMPU Expands Community-Based Protection Networks
PERMAMPU coordinator Dina Lumbantobing emphasized that protecting women requires a holistic approach that goes beyond case management."Protection does not end with handling cases. It is equally important to strengthen women's leadership, expand community networks, and transform social norms and policy frameworks so that violence can be prevented from the start," she explained.
Read Also:In North Sumatra, PERMAMPU operates through PESADA across six regions: Medan, Langkat, and the island districts of Nias, Nias Barat, Nias Utara, and Nias Selatan. A key strategy is the OSS&L model in health centers, which provides information, counseling, and referral services for survivors of violence.
By 2026, PERMAMPU has established 31 OSS&L facilities across eight provinces, including six in North Sumatra.
Disaster Response and Protection for Vulnerable CommunitiesIn addition to its work on gender-based violence and child marriage prevention, PERMAMPU-PESADA is also active in disaster response for hydrometeorological events in Tapanuli Tengah, Sibolga, and Langkat.
Read Also:Its interventions include GEDSI-based needs assessments, food distribution, dignity kits, psychosocial support, child-friendly spaces, and medical services.
These efforts ensure that women and vulnerable groups receive adequate protection during both emergency response and recovery phases.
The ambassador's visit highlights Australia's continued commitment to strengthening civil society in Indonesia and expanding inclusive services for marginalized communities.About PERMAMPU
Read Also:PERMAMPU (Coalition of Women in Sumatra MAMPU) is a civil society network dedicated to empowering women in Sumatra, coordinated by PESADA. Under the INKLUSI program, PERMAMPU focuses on grassroots women's leadership, reproductive health, economic empowerment, and the prevention of violence against women and children, including child marriage. The network operates in eight provinces and 24 districts through eight member organizations.
About INKLUSI
INKLUSI (Australia–Indonesia Partnership for an Inclusive Society) is a joint initiative of the Governments of Australia and Indonesia aimed at promoting gender equality, disability rights, and social inclusion. It strengthens collaboration between government and civil society to ensure equal participation without discrimination. (IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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