Strategies for Preventing Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation

The use of modern technology is one important strategy in preventing sexual harassment on public transportation. Based on records from Komnas Perempuan 2024, it was recorded that about a third of harassment incidents in public spaces took place in mass vehicles. Nur Iman Subono, an academic from FISIP Universitas Indonesia, argues that placing CCTV in vulnerable points can create a deterrent effect because it increases the risk of perpetrators being caught. The application of emergency buttons or panic buttons, as has begun to be implemented in the TransJakarta fleet since last year, also provides a fast reporting channel for passengers. In addition, some developers have provided digital applications that allow the public to report incidents along with supporting evidence in real-time. However, according to research from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Indonesia, the success of this technology still requires the readiness of officers in the field. Public transportation officers must be equipped with training so that they can respond to each report quickly and appropriately. In some countries with advanced transportation systems, the use of real-time tracking has been proven to significantly reduce similar cases. Therefore, the synergy of technology, policies, and personal data protection needs to be maintained so that public transportation truly becomes a safe space for all passengers.

Roles and Responsibilities of All Parties

The prevention of sexual harassment on public transportation cannot be separated from the involvement of various parties who synergize with each other. The government through the Ministry of Transportation and local governments has the authority to formulate regulations that favor passenger protection. According to Dr. Bivitri Susanti, an expert in constitutional law, policies will be effective if accompanied by regular monitoring and evaluation in the field. Public transportation operators also have a major responsibility in providing safe facilities and infrastructure and preparing officers who are sensitive to emergency situations. On the other hand, the public as service users are expected to dare to report and look after each other so that acts of harassment can be prevented as early as possible. Based on a survey by the Pulih Foundation in 2023, around 45% of harassment victims choose to remain silent because of fear and shame. For this reason, the role of user communities is very important in assisting victims while providing social pressure so that perpetrators do not feel safe. Mass media together with influencers contribute greatly to shaping public opinion and raising awareness of the importance of safe spaces on public transportation. With the support of educational news coverage, it is hoped that a social environment will be created that is more responsive and cares about passenger safety issues.

References

  1. Komnas Perempuan. (2025, June 24). Press Release of Komnas Perempuan Commemorating 2025 National Transportation Day. Komnas Perempuan. https://komnasperempuan.go.id/siaran-pers-detail/siaran-pers-komnas-perempuaan-memperingati-hari-angkutan-nasional-2025
  2. Asumsi.co. (2021, March 4). Together to eliminate sexual harassment on public transportation. Accessed July 4, 2025, from https://asumsi.co/post/58634/bersama-menghapuskan-pelecehan-seksual-di-transportasi-umum/
  3. RRI. (2025, January 02). Reasons for the increase in harassment on public transportation. RRI. Accessed July 4, 2025, from https://www.rri.co.id/lain-lain/1232233/alasan-meningkatnya-pelecehan-di-transportasi-umum