Ministry of Population and Family Development urges society to stop normalising sexual jokes

Sexual jokes are often considered normal, yet they should not be tolerated. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN has urged the public not to normalise sexual jokes that demean women, which have long been viewed as acceptable. This statement was made by the Secretary of Kemendukbangga/Chief Secretary of BKKBN, Budi Setiyono, in response to a case of sexual harassment in a student messaging group within the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (FHUI). “Sexual jokes are often seen as normal, but they should not be done. This frequently occurs due to group pressure, causing individuals to follow the group’s behaviour to be accepted by their peers,” he said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday. Budi emphasised that the incident serves as an important reminder that sexual violence does not always occur physically. Digital spaces, including private conversations, can become mediums that reinforce a culture of sexual harassment if not addressed seriously and constructively. According to him, normalising sexual violence in everyday life has the potential to encourage and develop into real actions in the real world. “Digital spaces are not empty but can reflect social interaction patterns that occur. What is said in them may reflect values, attitudes, and potential behaviours in the real world,” he explained. Budi stated that sexual harassment, including in digital form, can cause psychological pressure, anxiety, and trauma for victims. “More broadly, this can damage the integrity of the academic environment, which should uphold ethics, equality, and respect for human dignity,” said Budi. Therefore, he emphasised that all parties must take action to tackle such phenomena to prevent them from developing.