Why do victims of violence in Sumba fear testifying?

Question

Accepted Answer

Victims in Sumba Fear Testifying Due to Deep-Rooted Social Structures and Perceptions of Authority

Victims of violence in Sumba exhibit significant fear when it comes to testifying against their perpetrators, primarily due to the deeply entrenched social hierarchy and the perceived absolute authority of masters. This fear is compounded by a cultural understanding where acts like sexual intercourse with a female subordinate are not classified as rape but rather as the legitimate "use" of one's property, thus undermining legal recourse.
Masters' Authority is Perceived as Absolute

The social structure in Sumba, particularly in the eastern part of the island, is rigidly divided into castes, with the 'maramba' (nobles) at the top and 'atas' (slaves/servants) at the bottom. This stratification is deeply intertwined with the 'marapu' belief system, which blends animism and ancestor worship. Within this framework, the authority of a 'maramba' master over their 'ata' is often viewed as absolute and beyond challenge. This perception means that 'atas' may not believe their testimony against a master would be given credence or lead to justice, reinforcing their silence.
Sexual Violence is Not Seen as Rape

A significant factor contributing to the victims' reluctance to testify is the cultural interpretation of sexual violence. The prevailing notion, as articulated by figures like pastor Marlin Lomi and Andy Yentriyani, former head of the National Commission on Violence Against Women, is that a master has the right to "use" their female subordinates. This perspective reframes sexual acts not as rape, but as an exercise of authority over what is considered property. Consequently, victims may not view their experiences as crimes that can be legally prosecuted, nor do they expect the justice system to align with their understanding of wrongdoing.
Lack of Effective Legal Recourse and Protection

The fear of testifying is exacerbated by the perceived ineffectiveness of the legal system in addressing such cases. Even when incidents are reported, such as the case of an 18-year-old rape victim whose investigation remained inconclusive two years later, the legal process is often slow and uncertain. Rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have noted the Indonesian government's awareness of the situation but have pointed to a lack of decisive measures to eliminate slavery and protect victims. This lack of perceived protection and the slow pace of justice can deter victims from coming forward, especially when facing powerful local elites who often belong to the noble class and own slaves themselves.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why do victims of violence in Sumba fear testifying?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends