Role of Local Government in Preventing Sexual Violence: Challenges of Gender Responsive Policies in Tasikmalaya

Sexual violence is a complex form of human rights violation that is often inadequately addressed, especially at the local level. Although the central government has enacted Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS), this study aims to analyze the role of local governments in preventing sexual violence, with a focus on the challenges in formulating and implementing gender-responsive policies in Tasikmalaya City. The research approach used was a descriptive qualitative case study method. Data were collected through analysis of policy documents, in-depth interviews with government actors and civil society organizations, and observations of socio-political dynamics at the local level. The theoretical framework of this study combines theories of policy formulation, gender theory, and local politics to understand the complex relationship between state actors and the policy process for protecting women. The research findings indicate that in Tasikmalaya City, there is no local policy specifically implementing the TPKS Law in the form of a regional regulation (Perda) or other technical policies. Factors such as conservative cultural values, the dominance of religious morality narratives, minimal representation of women in decision-making, and limited bureaucratic capacity on gender issues are key challenges in realizing gender-responsive policies.