In the past, family secrets ( aib ) were strictly guarded behind closed doors to maintain the family’s face ( jaga gengsi ). However, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has transformed how Indonesians handle betrayal.
Psychologist Lita Sari, M.Psi, explains: "In Javanese culture especially, the mertua is an authority figure you cannot confront. For a son-in-law to reject her advances publicly is considered kurang ajar (ill-mannered). He is trapped. If he reports it, he destroys the family. If he stays silent, he risks abuse."
Interestingly, the public reaction to these scandals often varies based on gender. If the "scandalous" party is a mother-in-law, the social vitriol is often more intense, reflecting deep-seated patriarchal expectations of maternal purity. If it involves a father-in-law, the conversation often shifts toward the vulnerability of young women within the domestic sphere. Both scenarios highlight the ongoing struggle for women's safety and agency within the traditional family unit. Conclusion
UU TPKS (Law on Sexual Violence Crimes) passed recently is a start. Menantu need to know that Pencabulan (sexual abuse) by an in-law carries an automatic sentence of 10+ years. The myth of "rahasia keluarga" (family secret) must be shattered.
