When The Suspected Perpetrators Of Sexual Harassment And Bullying Against MS Were Finally Released From Central KPI Assignments

Head of Central KPI Agung Suprio/Instagram kpicenter

JAKARTA - The Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) has finally released seven of its employees suspected of being perpetrators of sexual harassment and bullying in the work environment. They do this so that the ongoing legal process in the police can run.

This week, issues related to sexual harassment and bullying within the Central KPI became a hot topic of conversation. This happened after an employee of the Central KPI, MS admitted to experiencing harassment and bullying from his more senior co-workers.

Through a chain message that was spread through the WhatsApp short message application, MS told the incident. According to him, this incident happened repeatedly until he couldn't stand it anymore.

One of the sexual harassments she experienced was in 2015 in which the perpetrators ganged up on her head, hands, feet, stripped her naked, pinned her, and finally abused her.

"(They, ed) harassed me by scribbling on my testicles using markers," said MS in a chain message he sent because he felt it was his last resort.

"This incident traumatized me and I lost emotional stability. How can this kind of malicious harassment happen at the Central KPI? What kind of syndicate is the perpetrator? They even documented my gender and made me powerless against them after the tragedy," he added.

For this incident, the Central KPI then conducted an internal investigation and asked for information from its employees who were suspected of being the perpetrators of sexual harassment and bullying against MS.

In addition, these seven employees were relieved of their duties so that the process of investigating these allegations could run more easily.

"Releasing the alleged perpetrator from all Central KPI activities in order to facilitate the investigation process by the police," said Central KPI chairman Agung Suprio in a written statement. in a statement quoted Friday, September 3.

He urged that cases of sexual harassment and bullying be resolved through legal channels and will fully support the ongoing process. "(We, ed) will be open to the information needed to investigate this case," said Agung.

In addition, the Central KPI will also provide legal assistance to MS and is ready to provide psychological assistance.

Calls for dismissal emerged from legislators

MS's acknowledgment as a victim of sexual harassment and bullying was also highlighted by the representatives of the people in Senayan. Member of Commission I of the DPR from the PPP faction, Syaifullah Tamliha, reminded KPI to investigate and reveal the truth of the employee's confession.

"KPI leaders must move quickly to investigate the truth of information regarding sexual harassment and bullying in their institutions," said Tamliha, in Jakarta, Friday, September 3.

He also appealed to the Central KPI to impose strict sanctions on the perpetrators. "If it is proven (harassing and bullying, ed) take firm action until dismissal," said Tamliha.

Similarly, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR Ahmad Sahroni also considers the perpetrators to be fired. However, this problem should not stop at being fired but also touch on the mental recovery aspect of MS.

“Moreover, we know that this bullying has been experienced for years and happened in one of the state institutions. This cannot be tolerated," said Sahroni.

The treasurer of the NasDem Party also said that the case experienced by MS should be a momentum to fight for the Bill on the Elimination of Sexual Violence (PKS). So that, going forward, those who report allegations of sexual harassment and bullying can be dealt with immediately.

"This is why we at Nasdem are keen to fight for the PKS Bill, so that case reports like this can be prosecuted more effectively," he said.

He also appreciated the quick steps taken by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police in investigating cases of harassment and bullying of KPI employees. According to him, bullying in the workplace is an act that cannot be tolerated.

"Full support for the Bareskrim Polri and its staff who immediately intervened in investigating this case. Bullying in the workplace is an act that cannot be tolerated, given the tremendous effect it has on the victim," he concluded.