Indonesian official who warned women could get pregnant by swimming in a pool where men had ejaculated faces sanctions after her claim embarrassed authorities
- Sitti Hikmawatty claimed that women can get pregnant without penetration
- Children’s commissioner gave example of men ejaculating in swimming pools
- Said special type of ‘strong sperm’ can make women in the same pool pregnant
- She is now facing punishment after mockery online and rebukes from doctors
An Indonesian official who claimed women can get pregnant by swimming in a pool where men had ejaculated is now facing sanctions by the government.
Sitti Hikmawatty, a member of the child protection commission, made the comments while being interviewed about teen pregnancy by a major newspaper.
A three-member panel has now been established to rule on whether she should be punished after her remarks embarrassed the government.
‘This should serve as a lesson for all officials to be extra careful when they make public statements,’ the newly formed commission’s chairman Susanto, who goes by one name, said.
Sitti Hikmawatty, an Indonesian child protection commissioner, is facing punishment after she claimed that women can get pregnant if they swim in a pool where a man has ejaculated
Hikmawatty – whose name translates as ‘wisdom’ – had told the Jakarta Tribune that women could get pregnant ‘even without penetration’ in an interview last week.
‘There’s a certain kind of sperm that is very strong,’ she told the newspaper.
‘Even without penetration, men may become sexually excited (by women in the pool) and ejaculate, therefore causing a pregnancy.
‘If women are in a phase where they are sexually active, (such a pregnancy) may occur. No one knows for sure how men react to the sight of women in a swimming pool.’
Her claims were quickly rubbished by doctors who said semen would quickly die in chlorinated water, while she was also mocked on social media.
The Indonesian Doctors Association told the Jakarta Post that women cannot be impregnated in swimming pools.
Indonesian blogger doctor, called Blog Dokter, said in response to her claims: ‘Once again, I remind you, if you do not understand health problems, it’s better to be quiet. Instead of your comments causing anxiety and panic.
‘I will emphasise here, swimming with the opposite sex will not cause pregnancy. Not all men who swim ejaculate and sperm cannot live in chlorinated pool water, let alone swim into the vagina.’
The head office of the Indonesian Child Protection Office (KPAI) pictured in the capital Jakarta
She has faced ridicule on social media. Photos have been uploaded of her shaking hands with a senior commissioner with the reflection of pool water pasted over the top.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘When there is a flood. Ordinary people: Save ourselves and other valuables. Sitti Wisdom: Please separate men and women so that no one gets pregnant.’
A cartoon strip has also been posted online showing a women getting pregnant after she enters flood waters with a man.
The chairman of the KPAI, Susanto, has issued a statement saying her claims do not represent the views of the organisation.
‘We hereby state that KPAI’s understanding and attitude are not reflected in the online news narrative.’
Ms Hikmawatty issued an apology on Sunday. ‘I apologise to the publi for giving an incorrect statement,’ she said. ‘It was a personal statement and not from KPAI. I hereby revoke the statement. I plead with all parties not to disseminate it further or even make it available.’