Introduction:

Unlike in Africa, studies on female genital circumcision (FGM) in Indonesia are not broadly discussed. Yet, according to Basic Health Research in 2013, FGM, especially for girls under 11 years old, has still been applied in almost all regions in Indonesia. Previous research findings state that FGM is not harmful to girls’ health; insignificant to be discussed; not obligatory; and it is not the actions to cut off any part of girls’ sexual organs. Unfortunately, most of the studies hardly represent the comprehensive description of FGM in Indonesia. The research conducted by Gender and Sexuality Study Centre, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia and funded by HIVOS comprehensively described the complexity of FGM in Indonesia based WHO global classification with framework of Indonesian pluralistic society to get better understanding on to what extent it violates girls’ rights.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in seven provinces (7 cities, 5 districts, and 2 villages) representing Indonesian regions. Using observation, FGD and in-depth interviews with informants, i.e. mothers whose daughter are circumcised; teenage girls who are circumcised; traditional excisors and medical personnel; Moslem priest; community and traditional leaders; and activists, the qualitative data was supported by a survey of 700 respondents, i.e. mothers whose daughter are circumcised and mothers whose daughter are not circumcised. The study has got ethical qualification from the Faculty of Public Health Universitas Indonesia No. 132 / H2.F10 / PPM.00.02 / 2015.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The study's findings presented the complexity of FGM included how it was carried out, unhygienic tools they used, improper service providers, expensive festivity in which they are differ in practice in one another accordingly to the pluralistic of Indonesian society. Although some practices were only symbolic action, there were practices which qualified to be categorised as Type I (Clitoridotomy) and Type IV (unclassified action to intervene girls’ sexual organ) of WHO classification, that may harmful for their health and violate their rights.