Indonesia Passes Sex Abuse Law in a Win for Women, Jokowi

  • Legislative process was held up by conservatives for six years
  • It is the only law that offers support for abuse victims

A protest for women's rights on International Women's Day in Surabaya, Indonedia, on March 8.

Photographer: Juni Kriswanto/AFP/Getty Images

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Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, passed a landmark law on sexual abuse on Tuesday, marking a victory for women’s groups and President Joko Widodo after years of opposition from religious conservatives.

“This is a gift to all Indonesian women and the people of Indonesia,” said parliamentary speaker Puan Maharani, as she wiped a tear from her eyes.