Religious Perspectives On Sexual Harassment In Indonesia: Theological And Legal Consensus Across Major Faiths

Abstract

This research aims to comprehensively identify and describe the views of various religions in Indonesia on the issue of sexual harassment, focusing on an in-depth analysis of theological and legal consensus among major religions such as Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The results of the study show that there is a strong consensus among these religions on the importance of preserving human dignity and protecting individuals from all forms of sexual violence. Each religion emphasizes that sexual violence is a serious violation of the moral and ethical values that underlie religious and social life. These findings underline that religious teachings can serve as a solid foundation in efforts to combat sexual violence in Indonesia. To optimize the role of religion in addressing sexual violence, this study proposes a comprehensive and collaborative strategy involving various stakeholders, including religious institutions, the government, and civil society. One crucial approach is the strengthening of integrative religious education, which focuses not only on rituals and dogmas but also on teaching ethical and moral values relevant to contemporary social issues such as sexual violence. Moreover, collaboration between religious institutions and the government with non-governmental organizations is also essential for conducting awareness campaigns, educational programs, and providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence.