Acceleration of TPKS Law Implementation in Public Spaces Urged
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Golkar Party faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives has urged the acceleration of the implementation of the Sexual Violence Crime Law (TPKS) in public spaces, particularly in every educational institution and workplace.
“Every institution, whether educational or in the working world, must take responsibility. There can no longer be any attempts to cover up cases to protect reputations. Transparency is the key to restoring public trust,” said the Chairman of the Golkar Party Faction in the DPR RI, Muhammad Sarmuji, in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Sarmuji also emphasised the importance of institutional accountability to restore public trust in institutions and their commitment to preventing sexual violence.
The General Secretary of the Golkar Party assessed that Indonesia is currently in a state of emergency regarding sexual harassment because cases of sexual violence are rampant and occur repeatedly across various sectors, from campuses, Islamic boarding schools, schools, to the working world.
“Sexual harassment cases are no longer isolated incidents. They have become a recurring and widespread pattern in various aspects of life, including in educational institutions and the working world. This is a strong signal that Indonesia is in a state of emergency regarding sexual harassment,” he asserted.
According to him, deterrence is crucial to breaking the chain of repeated sexual violence.
“The National Police, particularly through the Women and Children Services Unit (PPA), must be far more responsive and proactive in handling reports of sexual violence. Slow or insensitive handling will only make victims even more afraid to speak out,” said Sarmuji.
He also encouraged cross-sector collaboration to strengthen victims’ courage in reporting.
“There needs to be closer cooperation between educational institutions, the working world, and the police to conduct systematic education. Victims must be convinced that they are not alone and can speak out without fear,” he said.
“Prevention must start from the source. Education on healthy relationships, respect for the body and human dignity, and legal awareness must be part of our education system,” said Sarmuji.
In the context of the working world, Sarmuji assessed that many sexual harassment cases go unreported due to power imbalances between superiors and subordinates.
Therefore, companies and government agencies, he said, should have firm internal policies, including mechanisms for protecting whistleblowers.
“The state must be fully present, that is, protecting victims, punishing perpetrators, and ensuring a system that prevents this crime from recurring. If not, we will continue to lose our sense of security as a nation,” he said.