Indonesia's Army Stop Two Finger 'Virginity Tests On Female Army Recruits

In a statement released worldwide following international human rights group pressure, Army Chief Staff Gen. Andika Perkasa said the army will no longer subject women to invasive tests in which the inspectors had been using their fingers to assess the hymen.

It may be mentioned that Human rights groups welcomed Indonesia's decision to stop abusive "virginity tests" on female army recruits seven years after the World Health Organization declared they had no scientific validity.

According to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Andika Perkasa, "The Army will no longer subject women to invasive tests in which the inspectors used their fingers to assess whether the hymen was intact."

The Army chief further added, "The female recruits would be assessed on their ability to take part in physical training and that the military would emphasize whether they have color blindness and the condition of their spines and hearts to ensure they are healthy and will not encounter life-threatening medical issues."

"These improvements make us focused, effective and precise, and (ensure) that we have direction."

"WHO in its 2014 clinical guidelines for health care of sexually abused women said the so-called "virginity test" lacks any scientific basis," the chief of staff added.

"The army command is doing the right thing. It is now the responsibility of territorial and battalion commanders to follow orders, and recognize the unscientific, rights-abusing nature of this practice." Harsono added.