Harian Kompas Empowers Sexual Assault Survivors with 'Mantra of Hope'

Dentsu Indonesia and Harian Kompas are revolutionising the way that sexual assault is fought in Indonesia with MANTRA of Hope, an award-winning initiative gives sexual assault survivors a voice and a legally reliable method of self protection.

Tapping on extensive research into Harian Kompas’ journalistic archives and in depth research alongside criminal lawyers, dentsu Indonesia was able to identify that 9 out of 10 sexual assault cases in Indonesia remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence proving non-consent. This in turn discourages many victims from reporting their cases, leaving them to face societal victim-blaming.

Collaborating with creative audio technologists, MANTRA of Hope was developed as an AI technology to help sexual assault survivors automatically collect legally admissible evidence to prove non-consent in court. Audio recording is discreetly and securely captured in the phone’s backend system upon the activation of a personalised mantra—a predefined phrase chosen by the victim. This recording, along with unedited metadata (date, time, and location), strengthens the credibility of victims’ testimonies in court.

To drive awareness and adoption, the campaign utilised podcasts, digital news platforms, and social media, rallying legal experts, activists, and survivors to advocate for the app’s implementation. MANTRA of Hope has empowered thousands by educating them about their rights and providing a tool to seek justice.

Tarrence Palar, marcomm and community manager at Harian Kompas, commented, “As one of Indonesia’s largest media groups, KOMPAS carries a profound responsibility to advocate for and support survivors of sexual violence. This collaboration with dentsu Indonesia is a testament to our commitment to making a lasting impact. By combining innovative AI technology with our platform’s reach and dentsu’s seamless execution, we hope this initiative will inspire continued efforts to protect victims' rights and create a safer society for all.”

Defri Dwipaputra, executive creative director, Dentsu Creative Indonesia, commented, “What comes from the heart reaches the heart; This campaign was born from our dentsu Indonesia team’s deep concern for the countless unresolved sexual harassment cases in Indonesia. With MANTRA of Hope, our goal is not only to empower survivors with a tool for justice but also to create real change by reducing these cases altogether.”

Results

• 31+ billion IDR in earned media value

• 42+ million total impressions

• 1,000+ app downloads

MANTRA of Hope is an award-winning initiative, taking Gold for “Mobile Design” and Silver for “Technology” at ADFEST 2025, alongside multiple additional accolades at Citra Pariwara 2024, including Silver for “Innovative Use of Mobile and Apps Marketing” and “Mobile Applications” and Bronze for “Digital/Online Media”, “Innovative Use of Technology”, and “Technology and Touch Point Innovation”. Additionally, the campaign was shortlisted at Spikes Asia in the “Brand Experience (Use of Mobile & Devices)” and “Media (Use of Mobile)” categories.