WCR Indonesia Strengthens POLRI Investigators’ Capacity to Address Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Tangerang — The development of digital technology has transformed the ways in which gender-based violence occurs. Forms of violence that previously took place primarily in physical spaces can now be perpetrated through social media, messaging applications, digital platforms, and various other electronic spaces.

This situation calls for strengthened law enforcement capacity to ensure that cases of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) are handled professionally, with a gender-sensitive and survivor-centered approach.

In response to this need, Woman & Children Resilience (WCR) Indonesia, with support from UNDP Indonesia and in collaboration with the POLRI Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat POLRI), organized the Training on Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for POLRI Investigators from 3–8 August 2026 at Hotel Howard Johnson by Wyndham, Tangerang.

The training was attended by investigators from the Directorates of PPA-PPO and Cybercrime from 11 Regional Police (Polda) offices. The training was designed to strengthen investigators’ knowledge, skills, and perspectives in responding to TFGBV cases, which have distinct characteristics from conventional forms of violence.

The training covered a range of key aspects of case handling, including an understanding of TFGBV, gender perspectives and child protection, survivor support, investigation processes, electronic evidence, as well as legal advocacy and assistance.

Participants were also given opportunities to discuss various challenges that may arise in actual case handling. The learning approach went beyond lectures, incorporating discussions, case studies, practical exercises, and reflections on case-handling practices.

Strengthening a Survivor-Centered Approach to TFGBV Response

One of the key aspects emphasized throughout the training was a survivor-centered perspective. In TFGBV cases, survivors may experience far-reaching impacts because digital content can be rapidly disseminated and may be difficult to control once circulated. Such circumstances can result in prolonged psychological, social, economic, and legal consequences.

Therefore, investigators need the capacity to carry out legal processes effectively while also preventing secondary victimization.

The training also strengthened participants’ understanding of the importance of electronic evidence in responding to TFGBV cases. Digital traces can play a critical role in establishing the facts and building a case, but their use requires careful procedures to ensure that the evidence can be properly accounted for and upheld through the legal process.

For WCR Indonesia, strengthening investigators’ capacity is an important part of efforts to build a more responsive TFGBV response system.

Part of a Broader Effort to Strengthen Institutional Capacity

The program is also part of a longer-term process of strengthening institutional capacity. Since 2024, WCR Indonesia and its partners have undertaken various initiatives to strengthen digital literacy, enhance law enforcement capacity, and develop materials and training modules related to TFGBV.

The training was not intended to stand alone. The lessons learned and findings generated throughout the training will inform subsequent stages, including the Multi-Stakeholder Meeting, which brings together relevant stakeholders to discuss challenges and identify needs for strengthening the TFGBV response system.

In this way, individual capacity-building is expected to contribute to broader institutional capacity development and stronger coordination among actors involved in responding to TFGBV.

Through collaboration between WCR Indonesia, UNDP Indonesia, and Lemdiklat POLRI, the training forms part of an ongoing effort to strengthen law enforcement capacity while promoting a more coordinated, survivor-centered, and responsive approach to TFGBV.

WCR Indonesia and its partners remain committed to strengthening capacity, collaboration, and response systems for TFGBV to ensure that survivors have better access to protection, support, and justice.

AKBP Rafles L. Putra, as a facilitator, leads a learning session during the Training on Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for POLRI Investigators.

Participants take part in the Training on Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for POLRI Investigators.

Representatives of WCR Indonesia, UNDP Indonesia, and Lemdiklat POLRI during the Training on Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for POLRI Investigators.

Opening of the Training on Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for POLRI Investigators.

Participant actively engages in discussions during the training.