Beyond Gender Norms: Unveiling Myths and Taboos of Male Rape in Indonesia

Sexual violence against women remains a nearly daily occurrence in Indonesia. The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) notes that cases of violence against women are still predominantly sexual violence in the data recorded over the past 5 years. In various forms, male victims also suffer from sexual violence, including rape. However, male victims of sexual violence cannot do much in addressing the cases they experience. This is because rape against men is considered taboo and inappropriate. The occurrence of rape cases is due to the entrenched patriarchal culture, where inequality in various structures, from family to state, plays a significant role in perpetuating patriarchal culture. This paper attempts to dismantle the taboo perspective and myths surrounding sexual violence against men.