Props to Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs for reinforcing the idea that sexual harassment can come in the form of actions many regretfully believe to be innocent.
The ministry, led by Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, yesterday announced that it has passed ministerial regulation PMA 73/2022 on the Handling and Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Education Units.
Effective since Oct. 6, the PMA defines sexual harassment in physical, non-physical, verbal, or via online communication in more specific terms than most Indonesian legislation that exists on the matter.
The PMA identifies 16 types of sexual harassment. Some of these, namely whistling, catcalling in general, and staring at someone with sexual intent, were outlined with specificity and without precedent in Indonesian law.
The landmark Sexual Violence Law (UU TPKS), which was passed earlier this year, identifies nine types of sexual violence. As important as the law is, it does not go into the nuances of non-physical forms of sexual harassment.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs' PMA is applicable in all education levels, including at religious schools and institutions. It can be used as the basis for a criminal case against a sexual harasser.
The ministry says it is working on ways to ensure widespread enforcement of the PMA.