June 14, 2024
JAKARTA – The Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has highlighted the importance of digital literacy in preventing online sexual exploitation of women and children.
Ministry spokeswoman Ratna Susianawati made the statement in response to a viral video depicting the sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child in South Tangerang, Banten, first shared by the account “Icha Shakila” on Facebook.
The suspect, a 21-year-old mother identified as R, is under investigation. R was reportedly lured into making the video by the person behind the Facebook account, who promised her Rp 15 million (US$920.3) in return.
“This case is a reminder of the importance of digital literacy and educating the public regarding the correct and healthy use of the internet, particularly social media,” Ratna said on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Ratna said education and awareness about the safe and responsible use of social media was not solely the government’s duty; it was also the responsibility of the public and other stakeholders.
In Bekasi, a similar incident unfolded, involving a 26-year-old mother identified as AK. Her 9-year-old child was the victim, and the video was shared by the same Facebook account.
AK has also been detained by the police. She said the Facebook account owner did not send her money even though she had sent the video. Ratna urged the police to find the person behind the Facebook account.
The police have found that the Icha Shakila account that distributed the sexual abuse videos was a duplicate of another account.
The actual owner of the Facebook account, referred to as S, had been hacked and impersonated on the platform, police said.