Controversial Family Resilience Bill Initiator Speaks Up

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The initiator of the draft of the family resilience bill (RUU Ketahanan Keluarga), Endang Maria, says that the fear of children being exposed to pornography and drugs has pushed her to propose the bill. 

This draft bill gained attention due to many considering it to be too intrusive towards the realm of personal privacy and is said to possibly criminalize sperm donors, BDSM, masochism, and calls for the LGBT community to undergo rehab. 

“The reason is that we are worried that children would get exposed to drugs, pornography, sexual violence, and bullying,” said Endang at the Parliamentary Complex on Wednesday, February 19.

The Golkar Party member argues that true child protection can only be realized only if several programs are synergized to specifically solve that issue. “The plan is that the rules would help overcome those fears. This is the initial idea [driving the bill],” she said.

Endang admits that the draft bill is still in its early development and is yet to be completely constructed. She adds that she is unaware of the continuation of the family resilience draft bill. 

“Due to tight schedules, we have not [thoroughly studied it],” said Endang. 

When asked about the controversial rules in the family resilience Bill, such as potential criminal charges for sperm and ovum donors, and the rule overseeing masochism, Endang said she is not able to confirm it yet.

“I haven’t seen the big picture yet. But it seems it will not head to that direction,” said Endang. 

HALIDA BUNGA