Jakarta, August 2024 – Indonesia has made notable progress in addressing Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV). Key advancements include the enactment of Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS) in 2022, which provides legal protection and recourse for victims Online Sexual Violence, and the removal of over 1.9 million pieces of harmful online content related to gender-based violence in 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo).

However, some challenges remain. Recent statistics from the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reveal a staggering increase of over 300% in reports of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) over the past five years.

While the development of more comprehensive operational regulations under the TPKS Law is essential, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement—particularly the police—is paramount. It is critical to deepen their understanding of the TPKS Law and foster a victim-centered approach in handling OGBV cases. Strengthening their perspective and expertise is vital to ensure that cases are managed effectively, and victims receive the protection and support they deserve throughout the legal process.

Therefore, an urgent collaboration is needed across various sectors to strengthen the effective response towards OGBV.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its office in Jakarta, therefore, is partnering with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), and Indonesia’s National Police Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat POLRI) to bolster police capabilities through specialized training in digital evidence collection and victim-centered approaches.

Ms Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia said, “There has been progress in addressing online GBV through a combination of policy reforms, legal actions and public awareness initiatives. However, with a noticeable increase in the number of cases that can be categorised as OGBV, we must keep our efforts going to address. UNDP is committed to work closely with our partners in Indonesia, such as Lemdiklat Polri to address this challenge in the digital age.”

During the joint site mission from KNPA and USPC from 19 – 22 August 2024, Commissioner General, Drs. Purwadi Arianto, M.Si, Indonesia National Police Education and Training Institute said, “In today’s digital age, OGBV demands not only advanced law enforcement but also specialized skills and a robust, victim-centered approach. This collaboration between the Korean National Police and the Indonesian National Police, particularly Lemdiklat Polri, combines South Korea's cutting-edge expertise with Indonesia's deep understanding of local contexts and needs. Together, we are enhancing Indonesia’s capabilities to address OGBV more effectively and setting a new standard for global cooperation in this critical area.”

With support from Lemdiklat Polri, this joint mission facilitates knowledge exchange between KNPA and Indonesia National Police and Jakarta Regional Police, particularly Women and Children Support Unit and the and the Cybercrime Unit., the program offers a series of knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities, including advanced OGBV-related crime investigation techniques and the development of educational materials.