Cases Of Harassment Rise In The First Quarter Of 2025, Puan: Sexual Violence Becomes A Joint Homework

Illustration of sexual harassment. (Unsplash-Zohre)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the many cases of sexual violence that occurred in the first quarter of 2025, including what had just been revealed, namely the harassment of an obstetrician in Garut, West Java. Puan asked all elements of the nation not to be tired in fighting the crime of sexual violence which is now a common homework (PR).

"Every day we hear, read news or information, and maybe even know firsthand about cases of heartbreaking and heart-squeezing sexual violence. Cases of sexual violence in Indonesia that continue to mount are our common homework," said Puan Maharani, Wednesday, April 16.

As is known, some time ago the public was furious with cases of sexual violence by participants in the education program of specialist doctors at the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, at Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) Bandung. Most recently, a case of alleged sexual harassment was also carried out by an obstetrician with the initials MSF in Garut.

The sexual abuse allegedly committed by Doctor MSF was revealed after a video showing seconds when MSF alleged sexual abuse spread on social media. MSF allegedly sexually harassed the victim's breast by squeezing the victim's breasts when the perpetrator carried out Ultrasonography (USG) examination practices on the victim.

In this case, 2 victims have reported and the perpetrators have been arrested by the police. From the search, the viral incident on social media occurred in 2024.

Puan also asked law enforcement officials to cooperate with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) to act quickly, transparently, and decisively in handling the case so as not to injure public trust in health services.

"This is a very inhumane act, let alone carried out by medical personnel who should be a protector and a sense of security for patients. There should be no tolerance for the practice of sexual crimes in health care facilities," he stressed.

Puan emphasized that the doctor's examination room, especially the obstetrician, must be a safe and protected place, especially for women. He asked the Ministry of Health to evaluate the mechanism for monitoring doctor practices and patient protection systems throughout Indonesia.

This case is a strong alarm for the health worker's control system. The government must ensure that every citizen, especially women, can get health services that are safe, dignified, and free from harassment," said Puan.

Puan also encouraged the police to thoroughly investigate this case and give the appropriate punishment if the perpetrator was found guilty.

"Law enforcement officers must also investigate the possibility of other victims who have not reported due to trauma or pressure," said Puan.

In addition to cases of sexual harassment at health care facilities, Puan also highlighted cases of alleged sexual harassment committed by a teacher at a private elementary school in Depok against at least 16 students from August 2024 to March 2025. She called this incident a crime against humanity that has torn the conscience of the nation.

"Sexual harassment in the school environment always rips apart conscience, leaving a painful feeling for all of us because crime is committed against children who are still innocent and pure," said Puan.

"Children who should grow up in a sense of security and love in the school environment are actually victims of sexual violence who should be educators and protectors for them," added the mother of two.

The sexual harassment that occurred at a private elementary school in Cimanggis, Depok was carried out by unscrupulous teachers by touching the student's limbs. The victim's parents, the school, and unscrupulous teachers had held mediation related to the case but unscrupulous teachers did not consider their actions as sexual harassment.

Puan then criticized the school's response, which only completed the first incident through mediation and a statement letter, without taking firm steps in the form of a legal report or temporary dismissal of the perpetrators. He called such an approach a form of neglect of child safety and a reflection of permissive culture against sexual violence.

"Mediation cannot be a solution to sexual crimes against children. We are not resolving conflicts between neighbors. This is a form of violence that must be thoroughly investigated legally, not covered or suppressed," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also urged law enforcement officials to immediately conduct a thorough investigation and take firm action if it was proven a criminal offense. Puan also asked the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to intervene.

"Relevant ministries and institutions must ensure that the issue of alleged sexual violence in educational circles is thoroughly investigated," he said.

Puan also encouraged the Ministry of Education and Culture to conduct an audit of the child protection system and mechanism at the school. Including evaluating the presence of teachers who are still suspected of being actively teaching.

"If it is true that the perpetrators are still given access to teach, this is a form of omission that cannot be tolerated. Every second of delay is a real threat to other children," said Puan.

Schools should be the safest space for children, not a place where they feel afraid. Children are the nation's future, they should not be left to grow up in trauma due to negligence or ignoring the slightest sexual crime," added Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan said that the number of cases of harassment and sexual abuse that occurred did not mean that sexual violence could be normalized. He invited the public to dare to fight sexual violence.

"We must not lose to perpetrators of sexual violence. And never get tired of fighting acts of sexual violence," concluded Puan.