Combating sexual harassment on public transportation is crucial for creating safe and inclusive environments for all passengers. According to Survei Pengalaman Hidup Perempuan Nasional in 2021, 1 out of 4 women, between the age 15-64 has experienced sexual assault and/or sexual harassment done by their partners and by others. Survey Nasional Pengalaman Hidup Anak dan Remaja in 2021 also revealed that 4 out of 10 underage girls and 3 out of 10 underage boys has experienced one of the forms of sexual assault in their lifetime, whether physical violence, sexual, or emotional violence. Sistem Informasi Online Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak, operated by Indonesian Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, also recorded 11.266 reported cases of violence against women in 2022 which amassed 11.538 victims. Public facilities are ranked second (880 cases) after households (8.432 cases) for places with the most reported cases of violence against women.

As a part of the population’s hotspot and public facility, public transportation should be a safe space for everyone to travel without fear of harassment or assault. Public transportation plays a vital role in fostering community connections and social cohesion. By creating an environment free from sexual harassment, we promote a sense of belonging, trust, and respect among passengers. This contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals using public transportation. Combating sexual harassment on public transportation also allows for raising awareness about the issue and educating the public on appropriate behavior and bystander intervention.

This can lead to positive cultural and societal change, fostering a collective understanding that sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. To effectively combat sexual harassment on public transportation, it is essential to implement comprehensive policies, provide training to staff, increase surveillance and security measures, encourage reporting mechanisms, and promote a culture of respect and accountability among passengers and employees alike.

In light of the alarming statistics on sexual harassment and assault in Indonesia and the urgent necessity to create safe, inclusive environments on public transportation, “Safe Ride Jakarta” aims to directly address and mitigate incidents of sexual harassment across all forms of public transportation in Jakarta, including buses, trains, taxis and share-ride transport services.