Sexual harassment in public transportation is once again on the rise, especially targeting women and vulnerable groups, causing fear and discomfort. Many victims stay silent, unsure of what to do, afraid they won’t be believed, or simply overwhelmed. But even the smallest actions, like sharing your experience or filing a report, can be the first step toward protection, recovery, and change.

This article is for anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, particularly in public transportation. Here, you’ll find a guide to recognizing different forms of sexual harassment, what to do if it happens, how to report it, and where to seek recovery support. Read on for the full information.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual behavior that can reasonably be perceived as offensive or humiliating.

In crowded public spaces like buses or trains, harassment can happen quickly and go unnoticed. Sadly, many victims hesitate to act out of fear of being seen as overreacting, feeling ashamed, or worrying they won’t be believed. That’s why understanding what sexual harassment looks like is crucial—so Smartcitizens can recognize it and respond appropriately.

Types of Sexual Harassment Commonly Found in Public Transportation

Understanding the different forms of sexual harassment helps us clearly distinguish between acceptable behavior and actions that should never be tolerated. In public transportation, harassment can take both verbal and non-verbal forms. Here are some of the most common:

Whistling and Catcalling

Whistling or making suggestive sounds is often used by perpetrators to express attraction inappropriately. For example, when a woman boards a train, a man nearby might whistle at her flirtatiously. While some may dismiss this as “just teasing,” it can feel intrusive and disrespectful to the victim. These unwanted noises can create a sense of intimidation, especially when they happen repeatedly, leaving the victim feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.

Comments About Someone’s Body

Making remarks about someone’s physical appearance, especially in a sexual or objectifying way, is a frequent form of verbal harassment. For instance, a man might say, “It’s hard to focus with someone dressed like that,” to a woman on a bus or train. These comments are not compliments—they reduce the person to their appearance and can make them feel targeted and disrespected.

Sexist Comments

Sexist remarks are statements that degrade or stereotype someone based on their gender. On public transport, this could sound like a man saying, “Didn’t expect someone that pretty to take public transportation.” Comments like these are patronizing and reinforce outdated gender norms, limiting how women are perceived in public spaces.

Taking Photos Without Consent

Taking someone’s photo or video without their permission, especially with sexual intent, is a serious invasion of privacy. This can happen when someone pretends to use their phone while aiming the camera at another passenger’s body. Even if the victim doesn’t notice right away, it can leave them feeling violated and constantly on edge.

Unwanted Touching

Touching someone without their consent is a clear and unacceptable form of physical harassment. In crowded trains or buses, someone might use the situation as an excuse to deliberately touch another person’s thigh, waist, or other body parts. The impact can be long-lasting, causing anxiety, fear, and a deep sense of vulnerability.

Rubbing Against Someone Intentionally

Some perpetrators use the excuse of a crowded space to intentionally rub their genitals against another passenger. This form of harassment is both physically and emotionally disturbing, leaving victims feeling assaulted and powerless.

Public Sexual Acts

In some extreme cases, perpetrators may engage in explicit acts such as public masturbation. This might happen when someone positions themselves near a female passenger and begins behaving inappropriately behind a bag or jacket. While there may be no physical contact, the trauma caused can be severe, leaving victims shaken, threatened, and hesitant to use public transportation again.

The Real Impact of Sexual Harassment on Victims

Sexual harassment isn’t just an uncomfortable experience—it can leave lasting psychological effects. Many victims report experiencing the following:

• Fear and anxiety when returning to public transportation. Even the thought of being in the same setting can trigger panic or unease.
   
• Shame or self-blame, despite having done nothing wrong. Victims often internalize guilt, shaped by social stigma or gaslighting from others.
   
• Feelings of isolation, either because they don’t know who to talk to, or because they weren’t believed when they tried. This lack of support can make victims feel alone in their experience.
   
• Trauma, which may include symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, nightmares, or extreme tension in public places.

The impacts of sexual harassment can include fear, shame, and even trauma.
 

What Should You Do If You're a Victim of Sexual Harassment?

As a victim, there are steps you can take before, during, and after the incident. This guide is divided into three parts: preventive, responsive, and rehabilitative actions.

Preventive: Protecting Yourself Before It Happens

Prevention does not mean blaming the victim. On the contrary, it’s about self-protection in a system that still isn’t entirely safe. Here are some steps you can take when using public transportation:

• Choose women-only areas (like designated carriages) if available. These spaces tend to be relatively safer.
  
   
• Stand near transit officers or passengers who appear trustworthy.
   
• Install the JAKI app on your phone for quick access to Jakarta Siaga 112 through the Emergency Button feature. Save the hotline numbers of the transport services you use, in case of emergencies.
   

Here are some key transport contact numbers:

• TransJakarta: 1500-102
   
• MRT Jakarta: 1500-332
   
• LRT Jakarta: Care Center Layanan Sahabat(CARLA): 021-5089-9909

Trained officers are ready to receive reports and assist victims of sexual harassment in public transportation.

Also read: 3 New Features on the JAKI App

Responsive: What to Do When Harassment Happens

When facing sexual harassment on public transportation, trust your instincts.
If something makes you uncomfortable, that alone is reason enough to act. But if your body freezes or you cry—that’s also a valid and natural reaction. Everyone responds to threats differently, and there is no “wrong” way to react.

If you feel safe and the situation allows, you can try the following actions:

• Move away. Head to a brighter, more open, or crowded area.
   
• Confront the harasser. Firmly say something like, “Please keep your distance,” or “Don’t touch me.”
   
• Document the incident. If you feel safe, note the perpetrator’s appearance, time, location, and take a photo if possible as evidence.

Rehabilitative: Taking Care of Yourself After the Incident

Healing emotionally and mentally after experiencing sexual harassment is an important part of recovery. You don’t have to feel “okay” right away. But small steps can help you begin to regain your strength:

• Talk to someone you trust, a close friend, a family member, or a supportive colleague. Emotional support can be a powerful first step toward healing.
   
• Report the incident formally, if and when you’re ready.
  There is no pressure, but if you choose to take legal or administrative action, you can report it to transit officers, Pos SAPA (Sahabat Perempuan dan Anak), the public transport call center, or via the Emergency Button in the JAKI app.

Pos SAPA for women, children, and reporting sexual harassment in public transportation.
 

• Use mental health services. If you’d like to talk to a professional, the JakCare feature in the JAKI app offers easy access to mental health consultations.
   

What If You Witness Sexual Harassment?

Not only do victims need to act, but witnesses play a crucial role in creating safe public spaces, including on public transport. Here are things you can do, from prevention to post-incident support:

Preventive: Stay Aware and Be Mindful of Others

As a bystander, you can play a protective role even before anything happens. Sometimes, small actions from people nearby can offer safety and reassurance to potential victims.

• Observe suspicious interactions. For example, someone standing too close without a clear reason, following another person, or attempting unwanted physical contact.
• Watch for signs of discomfort. If you notice someone looking anxious, turning their body away, or trying to distance themselves from another person, these could be warning signs.

Responsive: When Harassment Is Happening

If harassment is occurring or has just happened, even simple actions can make a difference:

• Gently check in on the victim. Ask something like, “Are you okay?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?”
  Simple questions can offer a sense of being seen, heard, and not alone.
   
• Distract or intervene. Create distance between the victim and the perpetrator. Pretend you know the victim and start a conversation, or position yourself between them.
   
• Document the incident. If it’s safe to do so, note details like the perpetrator’s appearance, time, and location. A photo of the perpetrator can serve as important evidence if the victim chooses to report.
   

Rehabilitative: After the Incident

Support doesn’t end once the harassment stops. Post-incident support often determines whether a victim feels safe, supported, and empowered again.

• Talk to the victim without pressure. If they seem ready, help direct them to support services like Pos SAPA or public transport officers. Sometimes, simply being there for someone is already powerful.
   
• After the incident, the victim may feel confused, scared, or shocked. Speak to them calmly without judgment, and just listen. Validate their feelings and give them space to feel supported.
   
• Offer to accompany them to a support service. If the victim seems ready, help guide them to services such as Pos SAPA, public transport officers, or other relevant authorities.

Reporting Channels for Sexual Harassment in Public Transportation

If you or someone around you experiences sexual harassment in public transportation, it’s important to know where and how to report it. Here are several reporting channels you can access:

Public transportation staff, such as those in MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta, are your first line of help. They are trained to handle emergencies, including cases of sexual harassment. Don’t hesitate to approach them and report what happened, your presence and report will be taken seriously and handled professionally.

Jakarta Siaga 112 offers 24-hour emergency services. You can contact them with a few taps using the emergency button in the JAKI app. This feature can save lives in urgent situations.

Pos Sapa by the Department of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPAPP) is available at MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta stations. Trained officers at these posts provide comprehensive support for victims of sexual harassment, from counseling and legal assistance to direct accompaniment. They are ready to listen and help any Smartcitizen who has experienced harassment.

The JAKI app can be your quick and easy first step to reporting. Through the app, you can send a report directly to Jakarta Siaga 112. After reporting, you can also access JakCare, a mental health consultation service available within the app to support your emotional recovery. Everything you need is accessible in one place—no need to switch platforms.

Safety Tips When Using Public Transportation

Using public transportation should be a safe and comfortable experience. To help keep yourself safe, here are a few simple things you can do:

• Let someone know your route and estimated travel time. This helps them keep track of your whereabouts and provides peace of mind, especially if you're traveling late at night.
   
• Use only one earphone if you’re listening to something. Staying aware of your surroundings is much more important.
   
• Carry small emergency tools, like a whistle or mini flashlight. These might seem minor, but can be useful to draw attention or signal for help.

Government Efforts in Handling Sexual Harassment

Jakarta continues to strengthen protection for passengers against sexual harassment in public transport through preventive, responsive, and rehabilitative measures. Together with transportation operators, the government is building a system that is increasingly capable of providing safety.

For example:

• TransJakarta has launched women-only pink buses, placed security personnel at bus stops and on buses, and even uses facial recognition technology to identify and block known harassers from using the service. Their staff have received special training and are actively promoting the STOP Sexual Harassment campaign as part of public education. If harassment happens on a TransJakarta bus, victims or witnesses can report it through their call center at 1500-102.
  
   
• MRT Jakarta provides women-only carriages, stations, and trains equipped with trained security staff, and a call center at 1500-332 for reporting harassment or asking for assistance. All staff are trained to respond quickly and professionally to harassment cases.
  
   
• LRT Jakarta also offers women-only carriages and trained personnel, with a dedicated call center at 0800-100-1121 to support passengers in need of help.
   

Additionally, MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta all have CCTV installed throughout stations and vehicles for real-time monitoring. Victims and witnesses can also visit the Pos SAPA located at key points to receive direct help and guidance from trained staff.

Through these ongoing efforts, Jakarta is moving toward a safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive public transportation system.

This has been your essential guide to dealing with sexual harassment in public transport. Sexual harassment is never a small matter. Whether you're a victim or a witness, you play a vital role in ending it. Use the Emergency Button on the JAKI app to reach Jakarta Siaga 112, report to transport staff, or Pos SAPA. Every report you make could be the first step toward a safer, better public transport experience for everyone.