Rivaldo Taime (13), one of the West Papuan teens with a worldwide football great as his namesake, was raised in poverty and had a difficult upbringing. The most eastern region of Indonesia, Jayapura, West Papua, is home to Rivaldo. Employment, poor infrastructure, and services exist, and many people still live in poverty.
Traditional family views and gender roles remain prevalent throughout most of West Papua. In many households, the eldest boys, like Rivaldo, are expected to take on the “man of the house” position when the father is abroad. But for Rivaldo, this had a darker connotation. It is because he frequently had to defend his brother from their angry father. It happened when he came home after drinking too much alcohol.
Rivaldo’s Story as One of the West Papuan Teens
Emma (42), Rivaldo’s mother, recalls, “He used to drink constantly.” He would shout at my kids when he got home and break stuff.”
“My spouse and my boys weren’t very close, of course. They seldom exchanged words,” she continues.
According to a UN study, more than 40% of women and children in West Papua have experienced violence. There are more than 33% of women between the ages of 15 and 64 encountered physical or sexual abuse at some point.
Nevertheless, shy, bashful Rivaldo persevered, much like the legendary Brazilian footballer. He sought help through friends after being terrified and pressured to mature quickly and ultimately discovered an organization that works to address violence in the neighborhood.
Through interactive workshops that include lessons, games, discussions, and role-plays, the support group, which the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association runs with assistance from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and Partners for Prevention, an Asia-Pacific initiative. They examine deeply the beliefs and norms that support violence against women.
To assist spread the word and prevent violence from ever starting, the group collaborates with caregivers, community leaders, and religious leaders, in addition to working with teenagers.
Rivaldo explains, “We learned about mental, physical, and sexual aggression. “I also learned how to defuse tensions rather than provoke or challenge individuals—this aids in reducing violence.
West Papuan Teens’ Way of Sharing Secrets
Martina (41) recalls, “My daughter used to hide all kinds of things from me,” at a carers’ support group meeting at a community center in Jayapura. She shares much more now. Martina shares about issues at school, about males, and growing up. She does that like we learn to communicate honestly and equitably as friends.
There are up to 37% of women giving birth before age 18. This makes West Papua has among the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in all of Indonesia. Additionally, the province has among Indonesia’s highest HIV prevalence rates.
Grace Temongmere, a UNFPA project officer in Jayapura, argues that encouraging West Papuan teens and other community members to discuss gender roles, sexual and reproductive health freely, and consent would be better equipped to forge fulfilling relationships in the future.
Better Futures of Rivaldo and West Papuan Teens
Rivaldo has finally persuaded his father to attend the group sessions with him back in Jayapura. Emma, Rivaldo’s mother, claims that although living at home is still far from ideal, it is improving significantly for everyone.
She says, “My husband still drinks occasionally, but at least now he comes in softly.”
“[My husband and Rivaldo] began to share more when [my husband] entered the program. They sit down and discuss issues since they are a lot closer.
The 14-year-old West Papuan teens in the group with Rivaldo, Susan Maria Ohee, has a straightforward message for all girls:
“It’s crucial to look for yourself. Instead of focusing on being married first, prioritize your education because life will be much simpler when you have a job.”
