KAI Urged to Set up Post of Trauma Healing from Sexual Harassment

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI) demanded the state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia or KAI to complete the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on sexual harassment issued on June 2019, including the provision of trauma healing posts for victims, said the coalition’s coordinator of study and development, Farida Indriani.

According to her, the process of trauma healing is essential for the victims. "Victims get more psychological impact, and that is not only that day, but after that too," said Farida to Tempo after a discussion in Cikini, Central Jakarta, Sunday, October 13.

Earlier on October 8, 2019, PT KAI publicized its SOPs relating to the handling of sexual misconduct onboard following a case of a woman who was sexually harassed onboard in Sembrani train, Jakarta Gambir - Surabaya Pasarturi route, Tuesday, April 23, at 02:00 WIB, about 30 minutes after the train passed Tawang Station, Semarang. The case was settled in a family manner.

Farida went on to say that so far, such posts are available only for passengers who pass out during their trip. Thus, she opined PT KAI could open up trauma healing posts at stations of a fairly large size, such as in Manggarai Station, South Jakarta.

Even if it is not possible to be opened up at a small station, victims can be directed to Manggarai Station or brought to the party who can handle it. "[KAI could] involve volunteers or students, they must be willing to help, the shift hours could be arranged," Farida added.

Therefore, Farida urged PT KAI to discuss with those parties having an interest in the issue of violence and sexual harassment, especially those experienced by women, given the fact that most of the victims were women. "Public transportation should be safe," she underlined.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO