Public transportation must be women and child-friendly, says minister
Jakarta - The Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has reminded the importance of public transport that is friendly and responsive to the needs of women and children, including during the 2026 Lebaran holiday exodus.
“We appreciate the various facilities that have been prepared to support a women and child-friendly Lebaran exodus,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
She made these remarks whilst inspecting preparations for the Lebaran holiday exodus at Merak Port in Banten. The facilities in question include the availability of dedicated toilets for women and children, a clear and easily accessible travel information system, child-friendly play areas, and adequate breastfeeding spaces for nursing mothers.
In addition, SAPA 129 complaint posts are available as a space to lodge complaints should there be indications of violence or harassment,” she said.
The inspection was conducted to ensure the readiness of transportation infrastructure and facilities for travellers so that journeys during the Lebaran period can proceed safely, comfortably, and in a manner friendly to all members of the public, particularly women and children.
She also emphasised the importance of responsive service staff attuned to the needs of women and children, as well as adequate security and monitoring systems to prevent potential violence, harassment, and emergency situations during travel.
“I also greatly appreciate the play area facilities available on the ferry. Earlier we saw directly that children on board were no longer preoccupied with gadgets, but could play and socialise with their parents,” said Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi.
This, she said, is very positive as it creates a warmer travel atmosphere and strengthens togetherness between parents and children. When the facilities are comfortable, families can enjoy the journey more harmoniously.
Several high-ranking state officials participated in the inspection of Lebaran exodus preparations, including the Minister for Coordinating Human Development and Culture, Pratikno; National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo; TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian.
Also present were the Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi; the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin; the Deputy Minister for Coordinating Politics and Security, General Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus; and the Chief Executive Officer of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (State-owned Enterprise), Heru Widodo.