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An Indonesian Political Leader of PSI Sexually Assaults His Own Buzzer

An Indonesian Political Leader of PSI Sexually Assaults His Own Buzzer

In December 2023, Wulan (not her real name) accused Anthony Norman Lianto, the former West Jakarta Chairman of the Partai Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI), of rape. The alleged assault took place at Norman's residence under the pretense of work-related matters at the PSI office. Following the incident, Norman resigned from his position.

FYI, the Indonesian Solidarity Party or PSI is a pro-government political party synonymous with youth. The party’s current chairman is Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of the incumbent Indonesian President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The party typically employs buzzers and influencers to disseminate its messages and garner public support.

The Incident: Instruction at Night

The Incident: Instruction at Night

Wulan, a 29-year-old woman, discovered a job opening at PSI through the party’s official page. Needing funds to sustain her life in the capital, she promptly submitted an application.

“On November 29, I was invited to a meeting on December 4, 2023. They offered me a role as a buzzer, a social media advocate to boost the party’s electability,” Wulan shared with journalists in West Jakarta on March 27, 2024.

Next day, Norman instructed Wulan’s presence at the PSI Office in Green Garden, West Jakarta. Naturally, the office was deserted that night.

Amid her confusion, Wulan received a call from Norman inviting her to dinner. He offered to pick her up.

However, Wulan was then taken to Norman's residence instead. She was led to a room and locked inside, isolated and alone. It was in this room that the alleged sexual assault took place. 

The perpetrator persisted in his actions. Wulan was coerced into multiple sexual encounters with him, even as she wept and pleaded for him to stop. Norman’s subordinates assisted him, restraining Wulan and leaving her helpless. Despite being on her period, she was raped in that room.

Wulan was subsequently left in a state of fear and confusion, with no one around to ask for help, until morning.

“I attempted to escape through the window, but it was barred. I called for help, but the door remained shut,” she narrated.

To make matters worse, Wulan noticed there were cameras in the room. Norman could potentially use the recordings as a tool to blackmail Wulan if she were to disclose this tragedy to anyone.

The Intimidation: Keep Quiet or...

The Intimidation: Keep Quiet or...

Anthony Norman Lianto was born in Tegal, Central Java, on May 4, 1992. He moved to Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 16, where he pursued his education at Monash University and Holmes Institute Melbourne. 

After completing his Master's degree, he returned to Indonesia in 2019. His political career began with his involvement in the PSI, where he eventually rose to the position of West Jakarta Chairman.

With his power, Norman was attempting to silence Wulan. After the assault, he allegedly threatened Wulan to keep quiet about the incident. He warned her not to reveal the assault to anyone and to behave as if they were strangers if they ever crossed paths again.

Several individuals, who were Norman’s subordinates, carried out various forms of intimidation. They even coerced Wulan into writing a statement pledging her silence and denial of Norman’s assault.

Wulan revealed that this intimidation took place two days after the alleged sexual violence, specifically on December 7, 2023. In the meantime, she had already reported the incident to Polda Metro Jaya. She expressed her desire for justice and was accompanied by her attorney, Tommy Lambuaso, when making the report.

Tommy stated that Wulan initially reported Norman to Polda Metro Jaya (the Regional Police in Jakarta Province) on December 12, 2023, seven days after the assault. Unfortunately, her report was rejected at that time. The police officers reasoned that Norman was in the midst of a political campaign, running as a legislative candidate through PSI.

Undeterred, Wulan reported Norman again to Polda Metro Jaya on January 10, 2024. The report was officially registered with the report number STTLP/B/135/1/2024/SPKT POLDA METRO JAYA.

Tommy added that several witnesses from his party who were aware of the incident had also been questioned by the police.

The Aftermath: A Depressing Situation for Women

The Aftermath: A Depressing Situation for Women

The PSI has taken internal steps and supports legal proceedings for justice. The party condemns sexual violence and is cooperating with authorities to ensure a fair investigation and legal process. However, the case has raised questions about the prevalence of sexual violence within the political sphere and the measures in place to prevent such incidents.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. It has also highlighted the need for comprehensive legislation to address sexual violence in Indonesia. In April 2022, Indonesian lawmakers passed the Sexual Violence Crimes Law. While the bill's passage was not directly related to this case, it has been seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue of sexual violence in the country.

The case of Anthony Norman Lianto serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of sexual violence, even within the realms of politics. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legislation, stringent enforcement, and a shift in societal attitudes to address this issue effectively.

As Indonesia grapples with this challenge, it is hoped that the recent legislative changes will mark a turning point in the country's fight against sexual violence.

If You Were Her: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Sexual assault is a grave issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

  1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention to who is around you and what is happening.
  2. Walk with Confidence: The more confident you appear, the less likely you are to be targeted.
  3. Avoid Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drugs can cloud your judgment and make you more vulnerable to assault.
  4. Speak Up: If you see or hear something that promotes or condones sexual violence, don't be afraid to voice your disapproval.
  5. Learn Self-Defense: Knowing how to physically defend yourself can be a valuable tool in dangerous situations.
  6. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Trust your gut feelings. 
  7. Stay in Safe Environments: Avoid being alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
  8. Have a Safety Plan: Always have a plan for getting home safely, especially when going out at night.
  9. Communicate Clearly: Make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly in all situations.
  10. Seek Help Immediately: If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, don't hesitate to call for help.

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