Secretly Killing Generations, What Is Epidemic Silent?

Illustration of what an epidemitic (freepic) silent is.

YOGYAKARTA - There is a hidden threat called epidemic silent. This phenomenon is an epidemic that is widespread, but a lack of public attention. Actually, what is epidemic silent?

Not a virus, but its condition has infected millions of people around the world. Are you one of the victims? Through this article, let's thoroughly peel this silent epidemic.

Reporting from the Bullyid App page, the most pressing threat in Indonesia today is the crisis of harassment and violence in the workplace. This condition is deeply rooted, quietly detrimental to the livelihood, mental health, and foundation of the national economy.

So, answering what an epidemic silent means admitting that this crisis is a silent plague that attacks the dignity of workers relentlessly. Supported by data from the University of Pittsburgh, the following VOI summarizes some of its important points:

The latest data on this crisis is very worrying. According to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2022, the situation in Indonesia has reached a severe level.

ILO noted that 70.93% of Indonesian workers had experienced violence or harassment in the workplace. Meanwhile, 72.77% have witnessed the action.

This is not just a number. This is the reality of millions of people. Psychological violence is the most common form (influence 77% of victims), followed by sexual harassment reaching 50.48%.

The impact is not only emotional, but also economic. Victims are prone to mental health problems, forced to resign, and lose access to career levels.

Also read articles about other mental health with the title What Is Diacor Brain? Causes, Impacts, And How To Overcome It

Then for companies, harassment is a hidden cost in the form of reducing productivity and high turnover staff that cannot be ignored.

The main causes of this crisis spreading quietly are the culture and dynamics of toxic power.

First, the dynamics of the Quid Pro Quo, which makes sexual harassment by requiring sexual reward for promotion or protection is still fertile in hierarchical arrangements.

Second, the Hostile Environment where sexist jokes, explicit images, or obscene comments are often considered reasonable and called "official jokes."

Then the most important factor is Culture of Silence. In Indonesia, which upholds social harmony, reporting harassment is often seen as disobedience or even disgrace.

So what are the consequences? Many victims, especially women, individual LGBTQ +, and junior employees, chose silence for fear of being replied to (retaliation). Although digital workplaces offer flexibility, this also opens the door for cyber harassment via WhatsApp or social media that prolongs the suffering of victims beyond the office's physical limits.

Please note, Permenaker No. 88/2023 offers a clear prevention framework, and the TPKS Law No. 12/2022 criminalizes the spectrum of abuse. However, its application is still unequal.

There is still a big gap because Indonesia has not ratified Convention ILO No. 190 which explains the first international treaty that guarantees the right to a violent-free workplace. Without full ratification and commitment from the company leadership, this effort risks being a formality.

This crisis solution requires more than just policies, but demands cultural transformation. The board of directors and the HR department should make it a priority.

Technology can also help, such as anonymous reporting platforms, which give victims the courage to speak up without fear.

Now, we have to stop asking what an epidemitic silent is, and start acting against it. The data is very clear, one in two workers in Indonesia suffers, because behind every number there are names, faces, and disrupted lives.