Community Support Grows for Anti-Sexual Violence Drive on Public Transit

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The anti-sexual violence campaign organized by KAI Commuter, a subsidiary of state-owned railway company PT KAI, drew strong participation from passengers at BNI City Station in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Residents signed a petition as a collective commitment to report sexual misconduct and strengthen joint surveillance.

Iliyana, a Commuter Line passenger from Jakarta, said the initiative is crucial for raising public awareness about the risks of sexual violence in public transportation.

She noted that victims often face difficulties proving harassment. “I often see on social media how women have no power to fight back because there is no evidence of the violence committed against them. So, in my opinion, this is an extraordinary initiative for passengers to become increasingly aware that this is unacceptable and should not happen,” she said.

She added that social media plays an important role in exposing cases that might otherwise remain hidden. Referring to a recent viral case at the University of Indonesia’s School of Law, she said such incidents empower women to speak out against public violence.

Another passenger, Fauzi, emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and empathy, especially during rush hour when crowded conditions can be exploited by perpetrators.

“The key point is, if there is inappropriate behavior, we, whether as victims or witnesses, must speak up. I am also a Commuter Line customer, and I realize that during rush hour it is indeed very crowded,” he said.

Fauzi also supported the use of women-only train cars as an effective preventive measure, adding that protecting women should be seen as preserving family honor.

Dirjo, a representative of the Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS), called for stronger education on legal protection for all public transportation users. He argued that strict sanctions, such as blocking perpetrators’ identities, could serve as a deterrent.

He noted that awareness among Greater Jakarta Commuter Line passengers has been rising significantly. “So their level of awareness is also increasing,” he said.

The campaign reflects growing public courage to speak out, which is seen as a key indicator of progress in keeping mass transit safe from sexual harassment. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)