DPR Member Urges Public to Boldly Report Sexual Violence, Even if Verbal

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Yasonna Laoly, a member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged the public to boldly report all forms of criminal sexual violence as a crucial step towards creating a safe public space, even if the act is merely verbal.

Indonesia, he stated, now has a strong legal foundation through Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS). Therefore, the courage to report is key to handling such cases.

“Do not remain silent if you are a victim or witness sexual harassment,” Yasonna said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

He explained that sexual harassment is no longer considered only as an act involving physical contact but can also be verbal or non-physical.

Forms such as whistling, sexually suggestive comments, and sending pornography-laden content, he said, fall under the category of harassment that can be legally processed.

According to him, the UU TPKS provides strict sanctions for perpetrators of sexual harassment, both physical and non-physical. He explained that non-physical harassment is punishable by 9 months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rp10 million. Meanwhile, physical harassment carries a penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rp300 million.

In addition, he noted that the ease of proof under the UU TPKS can be more favourable to victims. The victim’s or witness’s statement, he said, can serve as valid evidence as long as it is supported by at least one other piece of evidence.

“This is an important breakthrough. Victims no longer need to fear reporting just because they feel they lack witnesses,” he said.

Therefore, he advised the public to take immediate action if they experience or know of a sexual harassment case, starting from ensuring safety, preserving evidence, seeking support, and reporting to the authorities.

He mentioned that several complaint channels are available, including the call centre 129 or WhatsApp 08111-129-129 (Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection); UPTD PPA: Regional Technical Implementation Units in every province/city; Police (PPA Unit at local police stations); and LBH Apik & National Commission on Violence Against Women for free legal assistance.

“With collective understanding and courage, we can create a safe environment free from sexual violence,” he said.