Pict credit to HAQ Centre for child rights.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter - Martin Luther King, Jr. -

Recently, chemical castration is widely discussed among Indonesia press. Moh Aris (20), perpetrators of child sexual crime from Mojokerto, sentenced to 12 years in prison and undergo chemical castration, this is the first implemented chemical castration in Indonesia.

High court of Surabaya decided to castrate MA, a rapist of 9 minors, from Mojokerto. Chemical castration is regulated in government regulations in lieu of law number 1 of 2016 about child protection. Government categorize child crime as a serious crime, hereupon chemical castration added.

However the judiciary face difficulties on finding the executor. Indonesia Doctor Association refuse to execute MA. They argue that chemical castration is not medical service, therefore the execution is not related to duties of the doctor and medical personnel.

What Is Chemical Castration?

Pict credit to Chinadialy.com

Chemical castration treatment is the use of hormonal drugs to lower sexual desire and libido. Reported by Thesun, the minimum treatment lasting from three to five years and has been trialled in Sweden, Denmark, and Canada. They suggest, it can cut re-offending rate from 40% to 5%.

Unlike surgical castration, chemical castration considered to be reversible when the treatment discontinued.

The use of chemical castration both in women and men have the same impact. It reduce sex drive, compulsive sexual fantasies, and  capacity for sex arousal. Cited from Lee & Cho, a phsycians, chemical castration have side effect such as increase body fat, reduce bone density, reduce body hair, discoloration of lips, osteoporosis and might induce cardiovascular disease.

I have survived, i am here. Confused, screwed up, but here. So, how can i find my way? is there a chain saw of the soul, an ax i can take to my memories of fears? - Speak -

However, chemical castration has several advantages compared to surgical castration. First, chemical castration allow offenders to have normal sexual activity in context with psychotherapy. Second, unlike surgical castration, chemical castration is reversible after treatment discontinuation. Last but not least, victim and public might feel safe after knowing the offenders undergo chemical castration.

Still and all, chemical castration remains a debate for socio-economics and medical reasons. It may not guarantee human right if chemical castration taken without offender consent. Besides, the rise of child offenders who undergo chemical castration generate socio-economic burden. Cited from Lee & Cho, it cost about USD 4,650 dollar per person anually for medication.

After all, what we did always have pros and cons. So, what do you think about this case? comment down below!

PS: I feel like go into one's shell while writing how we should be that considerate about sex offenders. That's why i add pict and quotes that might describe how the survivor feel. However, for those who feel screwed up and can not speak up, i'm glad you're here, i feel grateful that you're live and survived.