Virginity Testing in Indonesia: A Violation of Women’s Rights and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In Indonesia, women continue to face systemic discrimination rooted in patriarchal norms, exemplified by the practice of virginity testing for female police applicants (polwan) by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) since 1965. This report critically examines virginity testing as a harmful practice violating women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and dignity, while highlighting its implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Background and Practice of Virginity Testing

Virginity testing is a discriminatory tradition practiced in at least 20 countries worldwide, persisting for over five decades in Indonesia. The test aims to assess the past sexual behavior of female police candidates by examining their hymen, with the expectation that candidates must be “virgins” to be deemed worthy. Two common methods include:

1. Inspection of the hymen for tears or size of the opening.
2. Insertion of two fingers into the vagina.

These methods lack scientific validity as some women are naturally born without a hymen or may have hymen damage due to accidents, rendering the tests unreliable and invasive.

Human Rights Violations and Legal Framework

• Violation of International Law: Virginity testing contravenes Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Indonesia ratified, protecting individuals’ dignity and physical and mental integrity.
• Infringement of Bodily Autonomy: The practice represents unlawful state interference in women’s privacy and freedom, violating their rights as protected under Article 3 of the ICCPR.
• Psychological Impact: Women subjected to testing report pain, humiliation, and long-term anxiety, undermining trust in state institutions.
• State Responsibility: Indonesia’s government has a duty under international law to prevent discriminatory practices and uphold human rights, as emphasized in Article 71 of the Human Rights Law.

Progress and Government Response

In June 2021, Army Chief General Andika Perkasa officially ended virginity testing for female military and police recruits, emphasizing selection based on physical ability and academic performance rather than virginity. Key measures include:

• Abolishing virginity tests in recruitment processes.
• Prohibiting medical or virginity checks for fiancées of male officers.
• Supporting protest and advocacy efforts that raise awareness of human rights violations.

This shift aligns with SDG 5’s goal to eliminate discrimination against women and SDG 16’s focus on inclusive, accountable institutions.

Ongoing Challenges and Societal Impact

Despite the official cessation of virginity testing, its legacy endures in Indonesian society through persistent stigma that equates a woman’s value with her virginity. This cultural norm perpetuates:

• Social discrimination and mistreatment of women.
• Continued violations of women’s rights and dignity.
• Failure to provide formal apologies or redress, contravening international human rights obligations.

Addressing these challenges is critical for achieving SDG 5 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Virginity testing in Indonesia represents a serious breach of women’s rights and international human rights standards. To fulfill its commitments under the ICCPR and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, Indonesia must:

1. Ensure complete elimination of virginity-based discrimination in all institutions and society.
2. Provide formal apologies and effective redress mechanisms for affected women.
3. Promote education and awareness campaigns to dismantle harmful patriarchal norms and stigmas.
4. Strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement to protect women’s bodily autonomy and privacy.

Such actions are essential to uphold gender equality, protect human rights, and build just and inclusive societies as envisioned by the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article discusses discrimination against women, harmful practices like virginity testing, and the patriarchal system in Indonesia, which directly relate to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The violation of human rights, lack of accountability, and failure of state institutions to protect women’s rights relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including harmful practices.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 5 Targets:
   • Indicator on the prevalence of harmful practices such as virginity testing among women applicants in security forces.
   • Indicators measuring the extent of discrimination and violence against women in institutions like the police and military.
   • Indicators tracking women’s participation and representation in police and military recruitment and leadership roles.
2. For SDG 16 Targets:
   • Indicators on the enforcement of human rights laws and protection against violations such as unlawful virginity testing.
   • Indicators measuring the accountability and responsiveness of state institutions in addressing discriminatory practices.
   • Indicators tracking the existence and effectiveness of legal reforms and redress mechanisms for victims of human rights violations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: moderndiplomacy.eu