"Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated. Thus, the prevention and handling of sexual violence in the workplace really require understanding, attention, and support from all parties," the minister noted in her statement here on Sunday.
Fauziyah said that the ministry had issued Manpower Minister's Decree Number 88 of 2023 as guidelines for entrepreneurs, workers, government institutions, and the general public to make efforts in preventing and handling sexual violence at the workplace.
She noted that the decree is essential on account of the still high number of cases and victims of sexual violence in the workplace.
Based on data from the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), 389 cases of sexual violence were recorded at the workplace, with 411 victims in 2021, 324 cases with 284 victims in 2022, and 123 cases with 135 victims in 2023 as of May.
In addition, based on the International Labor Organization's (ILO's) survey in 2022 on violence and harassment, some 70.93 percent of the total 1,173 respondents across Indonesia have experienced violence and harassment at work.
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Meanwhile, 69.35 percent of the respondents have experienced more than one type of violence and harassment at work.
"In addition to the high (number of) cases and victims, the decree is issued to synchronize and strengthen the previous regulation, so that the prevention and handling of sexual violence in the workplace can be more optimal," the minister remarked.
It is also aimed at maintaining harmonious and productive industrial relations, she stated.
She explained that the decree covers aspects related to sexual violence in the workplace; efforts to prevent sexual violence in the workplace; and reporting, handling, and recovery of victims.
Furthermore, it covers the formation, function, and task of the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in the Workplace.
According to Fauziyah, victims, victims' families, victims' coworkers, and relevant parties can report cases of sexual violence to the task force formed by the company through online or offline means.
"We also ask for the prevention and handling efforts to be carried out seriously by ensuring the reports are handled promptly and without discrimination," she remarked.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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