Understanding digital sexual harassment and how to report it
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Technological advancements have made communication easier, but digital spaces can also become sites for sexual violence. Harassment can occur through private messages, video calls, social media, chat groups, and the non-consensual distribution of sexual content.
In Indonesia, these forms of violence are legally recognised. Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS) classifies electronic-based sexual violence as a criminal offence.
Recent data indicates that gender-based violence in digital spaces remains a significant concern. Throughout 2025, 1,091 cases of online gender-based violence were recorded in the public domain, with 977 cases—approximately 90 per cent—being sexual in nature.
What constitutes digital sexual harassment, and how can it be reported?
What is digital sexual harassment?
Digital sexual harassment refers to sexually nuanced behaviour conducted through electronic means or digital spaces that is unwanted by the victim. It varies in form, ranging from unsolicited sexual messages to the unauthorised sharing or sending of sexual content.
In practice, these actions can occur across various platforms, such as social media, messaging applications, online forums, email, or video calls.
One form that requires vigilance is when an individual intentionally exposes body parts or performs sexual acts via video call without the recipient’s consent. Similar cases are still being handled by the Indonesian police as of September 2026, following a report from a woman regarding alleged electronic-based sexual violence via video call.
Harassment can also include degrading sexual comments or messages, forced requests for intimate photos or videos, threats to distribute private content, and the non-consended sharing of sexual content.
Digital sexual harassment under the UU TPKS
Law Number 12 of 2022 regulates electronic-based sexual violence as a form of sexual criminal offence. The regulation also grants victims the right to receive handling, protection, and recovery from the moment the crime occurs.
Provisions regarding electronic-based sexual violence are found in Article 14 of the UU TPKS. Meanwhile, non-physical sexual harassment is also regulated as a criminal offence under this law.
With these provisions in place, harassment conducted via electronic devices does not automatically become a matter that can only be resolved through internal mechanisms or digital platforms. Under certain conditions, such acts can be processed through legal channels.
How to report digital sexual harassment
- Save evidence
Do not rush to delete messages, posts, or conversations related to the alleged harassment. Save screenshots, account links, usernames, phone numbers, the time of the incident, and any other evidence that can help explain the chronology.
If a message is subsequently deleted by the perpetrator, evidence saved beforehand can still assist the reporting process.
- Record the chronology of events
Write down the chronology in order, starting from when the incident occurred, the platform used, the identity of the account suspected of the act, the form of harassment, and the impact experienced.
Such records can assist victims when explaining the incident to officers or assisting institutions.
- Report to the police
Victims can file a report with the police. The Indonesian National Police (Polri) also provides a 110 Call Centre service that the public can use to obtain information, make reports, and submit complaints regarding various incidents, including threats and violence. This service is available free of charge.
In cases of electronic-based sexual violence, victims can present the digital evidence they have saved when making their report.
- Use the SAPA 129 service
Women and children experiencing violence can also contact the SAPA 129 service provided by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection.
Complaints can be made via the 129 telephone line, WhatsApp at 08-111-129-129, or through an online complaint form. This service can also provide information regarding legal steps and the support available to victims.
- Seek assistance
Victims do not have to face the reporting process alone. Assistance can be sought through women and children’s service institutions, relevant regional service units, or organisations providing aid to victims of gender-based violence.
One institution providing a reporting channel for digital rights violations is SAFEnet. This service accepts complaints regarding various forms of digital rights violations, including online gender-based violence.
Do not delete evidence out of panic
When experiencing digital sexual harassment, victims may feel fear, shame, or worry that the actions will spread further. However, digital evidence is crucial to help explain the events that occurred.
If feeling threatened, victims can limit communication with the perpetrator after the necessary evidence has been secured. Account privacy settings can be tightened, and the perpetrator’s account can be blocked after the evidence is saved.
Victims also do not need to blame themselves for the perpetrator’s actions. Sexual harassment is the responsibility of the person committing the act.
Digital space does not mean being free from legal rules. By saving evidence, recording the chronology, and using available reporting channels, victims have several avenues to obtain help, protection, and handling for the events they experience.