T

he Jakarta administration should think about a more structured strategy for improving public transportation safety, rather than relying upon the usual reactive and case-based approaches that have been demonstrated by the authorities following the recent spike in rape cases in the city, activists say.

Andy Yentriyani, a commissioner at the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), said Friday that the City Administration along with the Transportation Agency should involve related stakeholders, including human rights-based commissions and representatives of Jakarta residents when discussing ways to improve public transportation safety.

“The solution has to be serious and comprehensive, while fulfilling human rights expectations,” Andy said during a media discussion on public transportation safety in the commission’s office in Central
Jakarta.

“We don’t expect solutions such as separating railway coaches for female passengers,” she said, referring to a policy that created special railway coaches for female passengers for the KRL commuter line railways, which went into effect earlier this year following an earlier spike in sexual harassment cases that had occurred on public transportation vehicles in Jakarta.

“It will only segregate the city, when what we actually need is improved public awareness,” public participation sub-commission member Neng Dara Affiah said.

Two recent two rape cases that allegedly took place on public minivans have raised concerns about public transportation safety in the city. The authorities have responded by banning tinted windows in public transportation vehicles to help prevent crime.

Andy suggested that the administration evaluate regulations regarding public transportation ownership.

“Perhaps the local administration should require all public transportation operators to identify and register their cars and drivers, including their work shifts. In that way we could easily trace a person if something happened on public transportation,” she said, adding that there had to be sanctions imposed against operators who violated the rule.

She also pointed out that the authorities must improve security in areas where large numbers of public transportation users pass, especially at night.

“They could add police officers without making it seem excessive, or they could add street lights,” Andy said.

According to the Labor Law, employers must provide shuttle services for women who work night shifts to ensure their safety.

A ministerial decree released in 2003 stipulated that employers must provide transport to and from work for women employees who work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. (swd)