Meet Sugiarsi, The Woman Who Helped 700 Victims of Violence

Sugiarsi had a rush of emotions and immediately headed home. Despite the 100-kilometer distance from Semarang to Sragen, she rode on the back of her son's black Megapro motorcycle.

For her, it was a matter of humanity that she couldn't ignore, even at the age of 75.

The next day, Sugiarsi went to D's house, which was 20 minutes away from hers. There were already many people gathered there, including neighbors, human rights activists, government officials, police, and journalists.

It had been two days since the incident, but no action had been taken yet. Everyone was eagerly waiting for Mami's arrival.

She saw D, the girl who had been paraded and stripped naked, sitting listlessly. Her tears did not stop flowing. Sugiarsi went over and sat next to the girl. She hugged and stroked D.

After D calmed down, Mami Sugiarsi expressed her intention to provide assistance, both for psychological recovery and legal aspects. She also gave a letter of authorization for D's family to sign.

After that, Sugiarsi, D and her family went to Sragen Police Station to report the incident two days earlier and to make a Minutes of Investigation (BAP).

"D is now living peacefully. She moved with her brother to Kalimantan," said Mami, remembering the girl she helped.

Threatened

As a person who stands for humanity, Mami faces many challenges. One that she often receives is threats, both veiled and overt threats.

Most of the threats come from parties who do not like Mami to interfere in their affairs, for example, the husband of a domestic violence victim who feels that domestic violence is a family affair.