Rising Sexual Violence in Digital Spaces Prompts Government to Tighten Oversight of Digital Platforms

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is tightening oversight of digital platforms following the proliferation of electronic-based sexual violence cases. A recent study indicates that electronic-based sexual violence reaches more than 1,600 cases every year. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid stressed that the digital space must not become a place that tolerates sexual violence. The government, she said, has the authority to impose sanctions if content or activities on platforms are deemed to endanger the public. “If it is indeed highly dangerous, we can impose sanctions up to closure. They must take responsibility because that is their domain,” Meutya stated. An average of 2,000 violence cases are reported every year, with the majority being electronic-based sexual violence. “In the latest study (on online sexual violence), it reaches more than 1,600 cases,” Meutya added. Therefore, the government is ensuring that every electronic system operator fulfils its responsibility to maintain user safety. “Every person who commits a non-physical sexual act directed at the body, sexual desire, and/or reproductive organs with the intention of degrading a person’s dignity and honour based on sexuality and/or morality shall be punished for non-physical sexual harassment, with a maximum prison sentence of 9 (nine) months and/or a maximum fine of Rp10,000,000 (ten million rupiah),” states Article 5 of the TPKS Law. Furthermore, under Article 14 paragraph (1) of the TPKS Law, anyone proven to have committed electronic-based sexual violence faces a maximum prison sentence of 4 (four) years and/or a maximum fine of Rp200,000,000.