MP Urges Public to Boldly Report Sexual Harassment Acts

Jakarta – A member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Yasonna Laoly, has urged the public to boldly report all forms of sexual violence crimes as a crucial step towards creating safe public spaces, even if the acts are merely verbal.

Indonesia, he stated, now has a strong legal foundation through Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS). Therefore, the courage to report is key to handling such cases.

“Do not stay silent when you become 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 acts involving physical contact but can also include verbal or non-physical actions.

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

According to him, the UU TPKS imposes strict sanctions on perpetrators of sexual harassment, both physical and non-physical. He explained that non-physical harassment is punishable by nine months in prison and a fine of Rp10 million. Meanwhile, physical harassment carries a sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of Rp300 million.

In addition, he noted that the ease of proof under the UU TPKS can be more victim-friendly. The victim’s or witness’s statement, he said, can serve as valid evidence as long as it is supported by 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 urged the public to take immediate action if they experience or know of a sexual harassment case, starting from securing themselves, preserving evidence, seeking support, to 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 Resorts); 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.