Rieke reports doctor for sexual harassment

JP/P.J. LEO

MAKASSAR: Actress and activist turned legislator Rieke Dyah Pitaloka on Tuesday reported a South Sulawesi doctor for alleged sexual harassment.
The member of the House of Representatives, who is a seasoned human rights activist and renowned feminist, reported Rasyidin to the West South Sulawesi Police in Makassar for allegedly attempting to kiss her.

Rieke, who played the naïve Oneng in the situation comedy Bajaj Bajuri, said the incident occurred when she was visiting nurses and hospital staff at the Labuang Baji General Hospital in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“At first he only asked for a picture. But, on the second take, he held my shoulder as if he wanted to hug me. When I reprimanded him, the doctor whispered in my ear and asked for a kiss. Even his lips were already on my ears,” she said, as quoted by Antara.

Rieke then had a quarrel with the doctor, who then offered her an apology. However, Rieke still wanted to teach him a lesson and drag him through the legal process.

“When I became upset, he said that: ‘You’re a public figure so you don’t have to be angry’,” Rieke said.

According to Rieke’s legal representative, Aisyah Amin, Rasyidin’s comments were intolerable and a form of harassment and discrimination against women.

“There should be a legal process so he learns a lesson. Moreover, Rieke visited South Sulawesi in a work capacity, as a member of the parliament,” she said.

Rasyidin, as quoted by Antara, denied the allegations. He said what happened was a common occurrence between an artist and her fans. – JP