In response to the rape case which occurred on the M26 transport in Jakarta, the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) supports the police in immediately investigating the crime and prosecuting the rapists. The legal process must also be accelerated for other similar cases which have previously occurred such as the Livia case (transport M24), the rape case on transport D02, the violence case on D04, and incidents in other regions of Indonesia.

“Apart from the police, the Ministry of Transportation must be responsible over the repeated occurrences of rape experienced by women on public transport. A sense of security is one of the rights recognised and guaranteed by the Constitution. As part of the government, the Ministry of Transportation has primary responsibility in the fulfilment of human rights, as mandated by the Constitution,” explained Masruchah, Vice Chairperson of Komnas Perempuan.

As such, the Ministry of Transportation should immediately fix the urban transport system on a national scale and in coordination with regional governments. Measures should include ensuring the improvement of infrastructure that covers the availability of adequate information at waiting areas and on roads, patrols and the preparedness of security personnel at areas prone to attacks, and an increase in the number and quality of transportation facilities. The Ministry of Transport should also immediately tighten the implementation of routine supervision and sanction mechanisms on employers and managers of transport services, including by adopting proposals for the driver identification system and rules regarding transparent windows. “Middle to lower income women who must rely on public transport services are especially disadvantaged. Their rights will be violated if these improvements are not carried out,” said Masruchah.

The role of the community in preventing and responding to sexual violence, including rape on public transport, also plays an important role. As such Komnas Perempuan invites the community to raise awareness in the use of public transport by immediately reporting suspicious situations to the authorities. The community must also develop an attitude of not blaming and stigmatising women who are victims of rape and sexual violence over what has happened to them. “Community support is central to victim recovery, as well as to their families,” explained Masruchah. She also reminded the media of their role in garnering support for victims. “The media should not join in blaming the victim and should not use rape cases as a news commodity only to forget journalistic ethics for the protection of victims and that the media can become a force for social change”.

The repeated rapes and other acts of sexual violence against women, including what has occurred on public transport highlight the importance of increasing public understanding of sexual violence so that it can be prevented and addressed. As such, Komnas Perempuan hopes that more and more community organisations and government institutions support the campaign themed SEXUAL VIOLENCE: IDENTIFICATION and HANDLING which is specifically held throughout 2010 and 2014 as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence (K16HAKTP) series held every year from 25 November to 10 December. “In 2011, there were more than 50 organisations in 21 provinces which participated in the campaign. By the end of 2014 we hope to be able to submit an academic paper and bill on sexual violence as a proposal for a better legal framework to protect women from sexual violence,” explained Masruchah.

Contact:

• Andy Yentriyani, Commissioner and Head of the Public Participation Sub-commission of Komnas Perempuan. Tel. 081317128173
• Masruchah, Vice Chairperson of Komnas Perempuan. Tel. 0811843297

ARTIKEL TERKAIT :

• Press release: The 16 Days for Eternity Movement
• Press Release: Guarantee Safety on Public Transportation
• Press Release Domestic Violence Always Ranks First!!: The SPEK-HAM, Solo Report of 2010
• Sexual Violence: Identification and Handling
• Press Release: Constitutional Court decision regarding judicial review of Law No. 4/PNPS/1963 opens up freedom of expression and upholds the judicial process