Tuesday, 16 June 2026
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: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: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:ABS Demands Government Action
On its 20th anniversary and International Women's Day 2026, ABS has issued several calls to action:
"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)
Read Also:REPORTER: Darmailawati
