WEST KUPANG, YKPI – Under the shade of coastal trees in Tablolong Village, dozens of women gathered, united by a shared concern: how to make their homes and village a truly safe place? On Wednesday (February 25, 2026), the Indonesian Justice and Peace Institute (YKPI) once again strengthened its commitment through a training session titled Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
This event was more than just a routine meeting. It was a safe space for the “Mamas” of Tablolong to dissect the reality of violence, which has often been tightly wrapped in the stigmas of “disgrace” and “private family matters.”
Moving Together for Vulnerable Groups
In his opening remarks, the Head of Tablolong Village emphasized that the potential for crime always exists wherever people live. However, remaining silent is not an option.
“If we see violence and we stay silent, that is wrong. Don’t say it’s someone else’s problem. Let’s collaborate, involve religious leaders, pastors, and congregations to protect women, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly,” he firmly stated before officially opening the event.
Zarniel Woleka, a representative from YKPI, added that this training is a continuation of the organization’s commitment to addressing four crucial issues: gender, child protection, tolerance, and the environment.
Recognizing the Faces of Violence: From Physical to Gaslighting
The resource person, Lusia Carningsi Bunga (Ningsi) from Cis Timur, presented a stark fact: one in three women experiences violence from their partner. She highlighted the importance of civil administration documents like marriage books and family cards as legal “weapons” when filing a report.
Ningsi also broke down the types of violence that often go unrecognized, including psychological violence like gaslighting.
“Perpetrators often twist facts until the victim doubts their own sanity. For example, a husband cheats, but the wife is blamed for not being attentive enough. This is mental manipulation,” Ningsi explained.
Furthermore, the issue of economic violence also emerged. There are many cases where wives are forbidden from working but are not provided for, or conversely, wives are forced to work while their earnings are spent by their husbands on gambling or traditional liquor (moke).
The Challenge of Stigma and Local Solutions
The discussion became particularly engaging when Mama Yeni, one of the participants, voiced her fear of social sanctions. “Here in Tablolong, if you so much as pass gas, everyone knows. If I report something, the neighbors’ gossip will be what breaks me,” she confessed honestly.
Responding to these concerns, the Secretary of Tablolong Village, Gasper, brought good news. A Village Legal Aid Post (Paralegal) has now been established in Tablolong. This institution serves as the first point of contact for resolving issues within the village, combining legal approaches with customary advice.
Additionally, a strong proposal emerged from the participants, led by Mama Elis Pelu, urging the immediate creation of a Village Regulation (Perdes) on the protection of women and children. The regulation is seen as crucial for providing a legal framework, empowering residents to act without hesitation when they witness violence in their surroundings.
A New Awareness: Men as Agents of Change
The activity facilitator, Djonk, emphasized that domestic chores like washing dishes and sweeping are not a woman’s “destiny” (kodrat), but a shared responsibility. “At home, I don’t get angry if my wife hasn’t cooked. I’ll get food for myself, and I also wash clothes. We must eliminate the notion that women are weak,” he shared, modeling good practice.
At the end of the session, the participants formulated a reporting mechanism involving the village government, customary institutions, the police, and legal aid organizations. The main message was clear: Don’t wait for a fatality to report an incident.
Voices from Tablolong
The activity left a deep impression on the participants. Gladis Ledo, one of the young attendees, wrote her message boldly: “Dare to speak up; the family must be a safe place—don’t blame the victim!”
Similarly, Margaretha Kause expressed her hope that such activities would be ongoing. “This broadens us mothers’ understanding to better comprehend and have the courage to face violence,” she said.
Through this GEDSI training, YKPI and the residents of Tablolong Village are planting seeds of justice. Seeds expected to grow into a protective fortress for those who have been marginalized.
Want to learn more about YKPI’s community empowerment programs? Keep following our updates on this page.