Verbal sexual harassment, including catcalling, is now expressly regulated under Article 5 of Law No. 12 of 2022 (UU TPKS) as a form of non-physical sexual harassment. Perpetrators face a maximum sentence of 9 months' imprisonment and/or a fine of IDR 10 million. Victims may report to the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) at the District or Regional Police level, and the victim's own testimony is now recognised as valid evidence.
What is catcalling, and why does it matter?
Catcalling refers to a form of verbal sexual harassment occurring in public spaces — comprising whistles, sexually charged remarks, shouts or calls directed at a person's physical appearance, sexual organs, or sexuality without their consent.
For years, catcalling was dismissed as trivial or even framed as a "compliment." Yet research and victim testimony consistently reveal the opposite: psychological distress, a diminished sense of safety in public spaces, and lasting trauma. Indonesian law now unequivocally classifies this conduct as a criminal act of sexual violence.
The legal foundation: TPKS Law and Article 5
Enacted on 12 April 2022, Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS) represents a landmark in the legal protection of sexual violence victims in Indonesia — including those who experience verbal harassment.
Article 5 of the TPKS Law specifically addresses non-physical sexual harassment, which encompasses catcalling and similar conduct:
"Every person who performs non-physical sexual acts directed at another's body, sexual desire, and/or reproductive organs with the intent to degrade the dignity and honour of a person on the basis of their sexuality and/or decency, shall be convicted of non-physical sexual harassment, punishable by imprisonment of up to 9 (nine) months and/or a fine of up to IDR 10,000,000."
The elucidation to this article clarifies that "non-physical sexual acts" means statements, gestures, or activities that are inappropriate and of a sexual nature, with the aim of degrading or humiliating another person.
What counts as verbal sexual harassment?
While the TPKS Law does not define "catcalling" by name, the scope of "non-physical sexual harassment" under Article 5 covers a broad range of non-contact acts of a sexual nature:
Sexually suggestive whistling, comments about appearance or body, sexual shouts in public, unwanted sexual solicitations, leering of a harassing nature, and sexual gestures without physical contact.
The key element is intent to degrade dignity and honour on the basis of sexuality. Enforcement authorities assess the context, severity, and impact of the conduct on the victim as a whole.
Criminal penalties and comparative framework
Prior to the TPKS Law, verbal harassment frequently escaped criminal sanction because the old Criminal Code contained no explicit provision covering it. The current legal framework is considerably more comprehensive:
And/or a fine of up to IDR 10 million. Covers all forms of verbal and non-physical sexual harassment.
May apply where catcalling is committed openly in public spaces accompanied by sexually degrading language, satisfying the elements of this provision.
Contrary to common perception, catcalling is no longer treated as a minor infraction to be resolved with a mere warning.
Only incidents occurring after the TPKS Law came into force may be reported under this statute.
The evidentiary challenge — and how the law addresses it
One of the greatest obstacles in verbal harassment cases has always been evidence. Catcalling typically occurs spontaneously, without recordings, and often without witnesses willing to provide testimony. The TPKS Law has addressed this directly through Article 24, which significantly expands the categories of admissible evidence.
A key breakthrough under the TPKS Law: The victim's own testimony is now recognised as valid evidence. In addition, CCTV footage from the scene, screenshots, photographs, and other electronic documents are formally recognised as evidence under Article 24 of the TPKS Law — substantially strengthening the victim's position in legal proceedings.
How to file a report if you experience catcalling
Victims of verbal sexual harassment have every right to report the incident to the relevant authorities. The following steps outline the process:
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Document evidence as thoroughly as possible Immediately capture photos, record video, or write down the details of the incident: the time, location, description of the perpetrator, and exactly what occurred. If CCTV cameras were present, seek assistance to preserve the footage before it is overwritten.
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Report to the PPA Unit at the District or Regional Police Reports under the TPKS Law are handled exclusively by the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) at the District Police (Polres) or Regional Police (Polda) level — not at the Sector Police (Polsek). Filing at the correct unit is essential for the process to proceed properly.
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Request legal accompaniment Victims are entitled to be accompanied by a lawyer, counsellor, or advocate from institutions such as the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) or a Legal Aid Institute (LBH) throughout the reporting and trial process.
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Know your rights as a victim The TPKS Law guarantees victims the right to protection, handling, recovery, and restitution. Victims are not required to navigate the legal process alone — the state is obligated to provide protective mechanisms throughout.
Victim rights under the TPKS Law
The TPKS Law does not merely criminalise perpetrators — it establishes a comprehensive protection framework for victims, encompassing rights to handling, protection, and recovery.
The victim's identity must be kept confidential by law enforcement, the media, and all parties involved in legal proceedings.
Victims are entitled to legal and psychological accompaniment from the point of reporting through to the conclusion of trial proceedings.
Victims are entitled to psychological rehabilitation services and may pursue restitution (compensation) from the perpetrator through the mechanisms provided by law.
The victim's own testimony is valid evidence. Electronic recordings, CCTV footage, and digital documents are also admissible under Article 24 of the TPKS Law.
| Primary Law | Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS) |
| Primary Provision | Article 5 — Non-Physical Sexual Harassment (including catcalling and verbal harassment) |
| Criminal Sanction | Article 5 TPKS Law: max. 9 months' imprisonment and/or fine of max. IDR 10 million |
| Evidence | Article 24 TPKS Law — expanded admissible evidence, including victim testimony |
| Criminal Code Reference | Article 406 of the National Criminal Code — public indecency offences |
| In Force Since | 12 April 2022 (enacted by the House of Representatives) |
| Reporting Unit | Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA), District Police (Polres) / Regional Police (Polda) |
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you or someone close to you has experienced sexual violence or harassment, we encourage you to seek support from a victim services institution or consult a qualified legal professional with expertise in sexual violence law. You are not alone, and you have the right to seek justice.