For those who are not familiar with Indonesian internet culture, the term “not abang tukang bakso” might seem like just another meme. But in reality, it represents a deeper societal issue that has been plaguing Indonesia for decades.
The Origin of “Not Abang Tukang Bakso”
The term “not abang tukang bakso” first gained popularity in 2016 when a video of a young woman rejecting a man’s advances went viral. In the video, the man, who was selling bakso (meatball soup), tried to flirt with the woman by calling her “mbak” (older sister) and “sayang” (darling). The woman responded by saying “Gue bukan mbak-mbak lo, gue bukan sayang kamu, gue bukan abang tukang bakso” (I’m not your older sister, I’m not your darling, I’m not the meatball soup seller).
Since then, the term “not abang tukang bakso” has become a popular phrase used by Indonesian women to reject unwanted advances from men. It has also become a symbol of empowerment for women who refuse to be objectified and harassed by men.
The Deeper Meaning Behind “Not Abang Tukang Bakso”
While the viral video and subsequent meme might seem harmless, they highlight a serious problem in Indonesian society: the normalization of sexual harassment and objectification of women. For decades, Indonesian women have been subjected to catcalling, groping, and other forms of harassment in public spaces, and the authorities have done little to address the issue.
Furthermore, the media and popular culture often perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women, portraying them as objects of desire rather than human beings with thoughts, feelings, and agency. This contributes to a culture where women are expected to tolerate harassment and abuse as a part of everyday life.
The Importance of Addressing Sexual Harassment in Indonesia
The “not abang tukang bakso” phenomenon has sparked a much-needed conversation about sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Indonesia. It has encouraged women to speak up about their experiences and demand better from their society and government.
However, there is still a long way to go before Indonesian women can feel safe and respected in public spaces. The government needs to take concrete steps to address sexual harassment and provide support for victims. The media and popular culture also need to play a role in promoting positive and respectful attitudes towards women.
In Conclusion
The “not abang tukang bakso” phenomenon might seem like just another meme, but it represents a much larger issue in Indonesian society. By speaking out against sexual harassment and objectification of women, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all Indonesians.
