Jakarta, the bustling capital city of Indonesia, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and fast-paced lifestyle. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, incidents of verbal harassment, particularly cat calling, have been reported, highlighting the need for increased safety measures in public spaces.
Recently, a woman identified as A experienced verbal harassment, or cat calling, by a driver of an online motorcycle taxi (ojek online) at Kebayoran Station in South Jakarta. The victim expressed her hope for improved security at all stations, especially Kebayoran Lama, where the incident occurred. „My hope is for an increase in security at all stations, especially Kebayoran Lama,“ said A when contacted on Friday, August 16, 2024.
She also called for authorities to regulate motorcycle taxi stands and for companies to enforce rules for their online taxi partners who violate regulations. Additionally, she emphasized that verbal harassment should not be considered normal behavior. „Companies should be stricter in imposing sanctions in cases like this. This should not be normalized or tolerated. I believe other women feel the same way, as many have experienced similar incidents but are afraid to speak up,“ she added.
The victim hoped for policies to prevent similar incidents from happening again and urged the public to pay more attention to cases of harassment that are still considered common and taboo to discuss.
The disturbing act of cat calling has left many women feeling unsafe and vulnerable in public spaces. A detailed account of the incident revealed that the motorcycle taxi drivers persistently offered their services to the victim, despite her repeated refusals. „I was on the side of the road. They kept calling out and offering motorcycle rides non-stop,“ A explained.
She mentioned that she declined the offers as she intended to take the commuter line train at Kebayoran Station. However, one of the perpetrators became aggressive by approaching her closely, causing her discomfort and fear. „One of them even aggressively walked towards me, getting very close. This made me feel uneasy and cautious,“ she stated.
As the situation escalated, A became angry and engaged in a heated argument with the motorcycle taxi driver. She felt increasingly anxious as the driver continued to invade her personal space. „Once or twice might be okay, but when it’s non-stop and they get too close to me, I feel uncomfortable and worried. I got angry and frustrated,“ she added.
After the video of the incident went viral, A received acknowledgment from other netizens who claimed to have experienced similar situations at Kebayoran Station. This incident sheds light on the prevalence of verbal harassment in public spaces and the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
In conclusion, the case of verbal harassment experienced by A at Kebayoran Station in Jakarta highlights the importance of addressing and preventing such incidents in public spaces. It is crucial for authorities, companies, and the public to take a stand against verbal harassment and create a safe environment for everyone. By raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and promoting respect for all individuals, Jakarta can strive towards becoming a city where everyone feels safe and respected.
