The Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (PPKS) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) held a socialization session on the newly issued Regulation of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Permendikbudristek) No. 55 of 2024 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Institutions. The event took place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS. The visit by the PPKS Task Force, led by Prof. Dr. Ismi Dwi Astuti Nurhaeni, M.Si., was warmly welcomed by the FEB UNS faculty member.

Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of FEB UNS, expressed his appreciation for the Task Force’s presence and voiced strong support for all PPKS programs and initiatives. “This is highly relevant to the current dynamics within university campuses. We must actively prevent all forms of violence—especially sexual violence—as well as other types of misconduct in academic environments. FEB is fully committed to collaborating with the PPKS UNS Task Force on any upcoming programs or initiatives. What matters most is that we start with a clear and good intention—so that it can lead to positive and sustainable outcomes,” he remarked.

In affirming his commitment as Dean, Dr. Bhimo emphasized that it is the responsibility of the faculty leadership to support such efforts in two main areas. First, in terms of prevention, FEB opens itself to cooperation with the Task Force to initiate educational campaigns and awareness-building for students, lecturers, and staff. “An integrated effort is crucial, and we truly need the role of the PPKS Task Force here at FEB,” he added.

Second, during the handling of any reported cases, there needs to be a clear process—starting with knowing where to report and how to ensure the resolution is handled wisely and sensitively. “We are in an academic setting, and therefore we must respond to every case thoughtfully and responsibly,” he stated.

Prof. Ismi further elaborated on the definition of violence, specifically sexual violence, which includes acts of harassment, coercion, and any form of inappropriate behavior involving sexual elements. According to her, prevention at UNS is carried out through learning modules, strengthening governance, fostering a healthy campus culture among students and educators, and improving campus infrastructure. When handling cases, UNS provides support through assistance, protection, case management, administrative sanctions, and the recovery of victims. The university also guarantees restorative measures, including public apologies from the institution and the reinstatement of rights that were lost or suspended during the investigative process.

The PPKS UNS Task Force serves as the university’s frontline unit in both preventing and responding to violence—particularly sexual violence—by prioritizing the best interest of the victim. All efforts by the Task Force are guided by principles such as: prioritizing the victim’s well-being, non-discrimination, justice and gender equality, accessibility for persons with disabilities, accountability, independence, caution, confidentiality, consistency, protection of identity, and assurance of non-recurrence.

The mandate of the PPKS Task Force is clear: to serve as a responsible body supporting the realization of a violence-free “Merdeka Belajar” (Independent Campus) environment, where any form of violence is not tolerated. “So, let us all take part in standing up against any form of violence, including sexual violence. Don’t hesitate to speak up—whether it happens to you or to someone you know. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive campus for everyone,” she concluded.