Violence against women remains a serious issue in Indonesia. According to data released by the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) in 2024, there were 34,682 women who became victims of violence. Sexual violence recorded the highest number, with 15,621 cases, while psychological violence amounted to 12,878 cases, and physical violence reached 11,099 cases. Additionally, other forms of violence totaled 6,897 cases. This violence does not only occur within households but also in public spaces such as workplaces. In 2019, Komnas Perempuan reported 2,988 cases of violence against women occurred in households, while 2,521 cases were reported in community settings, including workplaces.

One of the common forms of violence is Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in the garment industry, which poses a serious threat to its workers. According to data from the Federation of Factory Workers (FBLP), in 2016, sexual harassment was prevalent in garment factories, with 99% of the workers being women.

Ima Trisnawati, a member of the Bipartite Cooperation Institution (LKS Bipartit) and part of the GBVH case handling team at PT Dasan Pan Pasific Indonesia, emphasized that awareness and participation from various parties are essential to create safe spaces and workplaces for workers, especially women workers. According to Ima, one of the challenges faced is the low reporting from victims of the violence they have experienced. “Victims often feel insecure and fear being blamed. Therefore, the presence of LKS Bipartit and the GBVH case handling team is crucial to protect the victims,” she said.

In agreement with Ima, Maksimus Takake, HR Manager at PT Dasan Pan Pasific Indonesia, stated that Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) must be dealt with firmly. He believes that LKS Bipartit, consisting of employers, workers, and LKS Bipartit management, can be a solution to creating a safe workplace for women. “LKS Bipartit should be able to handle cases of sexual violence in the company. The case resolution process must also be communicated to management to find the right solution. We support gender equality by creating a comfortable workplace free from sexual violence,” he explained.

Not only the violence experienced in the workplace, but also the low reporting of domestic violence (DV) is a significant problem in Indonesia. A study from Muhammadiyah University Palembang in 2023 found that many domestic violence victims are reluctant to report because they do not understand existing laws, feel ashamed, or consider the violence as a normal part of domestic life. Many also choose not to report for the sake of their children.

Seeing this fact, Badriah, a member of the Empowerment Network for Resilient Women (JEKATA) in Bojonglongok Village, Sukabumi District, stated that awareness and support from the community are crucial in fighting domestic violence cases. “It is very important because it can help the victim from further violence and also prevent similar violence in the environment. We are also accompanying two victims of domestic violence to report their cases to the police,” she said.

JEKATA, as explained by Badriah, acts as a support system for the community. Formed through the assistance of CARE Indonesia, JEKATA focuses on assisting cases of violence against women.

Awalia Murtiana, Program Manager of CARE Peduli Foundation (YCP), explained, “JEKATA is involved in integrated case handling and support, both at the family, community, and workplace levels related to GBVH,” she said.

Currently, according to Awalia, JEKATA is present in Sukabumi and Purwakarta Districts, with a total membership of 520 people. Membership is open to formal and informal women workers, as well as housewives. JEKATA is also active in various women’s empowerment activities, such as women’s schools, cooking classes, legal empowerment training, as well as advocacy and case handling. “JEKATA is also involved in following up GBVH cases with the police or other authorities. The hope is that women who are victims of domestic violence or other violence can receive the justice and safety they deserve,” she said.

Violence against women, both in households and workplaces, requires attention and concrete action from various parties. Through shared awareness in the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the appropriate support and empowerment of women can create a safer environment and promote gender equality. Let’s raise our voices, fight against violence, and provide support to victims, especially women, to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

Author: Kukuh A. Tohari 

Editor: Swiny Adestika