By Supriyono | Photo: Achmad Jatnika 

By Dadi Darmadi

Depok – In the smart room of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), a meeting on January 14, 2026, marked more than a routine administrative gathering. It represented a profound institutional pledge: a turning point in the university’s journey to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge is never overshadowed by fear or trauma.

The formal launch and socialization of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (SATGAS PPKS) was not merely about compliance; it was a declaration of values, a commitment to transforming the campus into a true sanctuary of respect and safety.

“This represents the university’s commitment to implementing sexual violence prevention and handling in accordance with the national regulation,” stated Chaider Bamualim, University Secretary and Head of the newly formed PPKS Center. His words underscored a shift from policy on paper to actionable, structured responsibility. The task force is designed to be the central nervous system for this critical mission, moving beyond a reactive stance to embody a proactive, preventative culture.

The genesis of this task force is rooted in a sobering global and national reality. As highlighted during the proceedings, universities worldwide are tragically the second most common setting for sexual violence. This alarming statistic has shifted the conversation from isolated incidents to a recognized systemic challenge within higher education. In Indonesia, the response crystallized with the landmark Regulation of the Minister of Education (Permendikbudristek) Number 30 of 2021, mandating every university to establish robust prevention and handling mechanisms. UIII’s task force is its dedicated answer to this call, built upon a solid legal foundation that includes the broader Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes.

Building Understanding and Empathy

What set this launch apart was its foundational focus on education and clarity. The session dedicated significant time to dismantling ambiguity around the term “sexual violence.” Moving beyond simplistic definitions, it outlined a spectrum of violations, from the overt horror of rape to the insidious harm of sexual intimidation, harassment, and exploitation. By detailing forms such as unwanted verbal advances, coercive threats, or the abuse of power for sexual gain, the task force made it clear: violence is not defined solely by physical contact but by the violation of consent, dignity, and personal autonomy.

The discussion courageously addressed the profound, often lifelong, repercussions for survivors: physical injury, deep psychological trauma (including PTSD and depression), social stigma, and derailed academic careers. This explicit linking of action to consequence served a dual purpose: to validate the experiences of survivors and to impress upon the entire community the grave weight of such violations.

The UIII SATGAS PPKS is envisioned as a multipronged entity, with functions carefully designed to mirror the complexity of the issue it addresses. It will serve as an Educator by spearheading ongoing campaigns to cultivate a campus-wide culture of consent, respect, and bystander intervention, ensuring every community member understands their rights and responsibilities. Simultaneously, it acts as a Capacity Builder, equipping staff, faculty, and student leaders with the necessary skills to identify early warning signs, provide appropriate first response, and navigate reporting procedures with sensitivity.

Beyond prevention, the task force provides a critical internal mechanism as an Investigator, offering a formal, fair, and victim-centric process to address reports. This ensures due process while steadfastly prioritizing survivor safety and well-being. Finally, it stands as a dedicated Advocate and Supporter, functioning as a confidential point of contact that guides survivors to professional services and champions policy enhancements to continually reinforce a safe and accountable environment. Together, these interconnected roles form a comprehensive framework for proactive prevention and responsive care.

Strategic Roles  

The UIII PPKS special task force is envisioned as a multipronged entity, with functions carefully designed to mirror the complexity of the issue it addresses. It will serve as an “Educator” by spearheading ongoing campaigns to cultivate a campus-wide culture of consent, respect, and bystander intervention, ensuring every community member understands their rights and responsibilities.

Simultaneously, it acts as a “Capacity Builder,” equipping staff, faculty, and student leaders with the necessary skills to identify early warning signs, provide appropriate first response, and navigate reporting procedures with sensitivity.

Beyond prevention, the task force provides a critical internal mechanism as an “Investigator,” offering a formal, fair, and victim-centric process to address reports. This ensures due process while steadfastly prioritizing survivor safety and well-being.

Finally, it stands as a dedicated “Advocate and Supporter,” functioning as a confidential point of contact that guides survivors to professional services and champions policy enhancements to continually reinforce a safe and accountable environment. Together, these interconnected roles form a comprehensive framework for proactive prevention and responsive care. 

This comprehensive approach reflects an understanding that safety is not created by a single policy but woven through every layer of institutional life.

The call for collective responsibility was powerfully echoed by Prof. Nina Nurmila, PhD, the dean of Faculty of Education and a senior leader in gender studies at UIII present at the launch. “We, as members of the academic community, must be responsive to the various challenges within the campus,” she urged, framing safety not as an administrative duty but as a shared covenant. “This is our collective responsibility for the comfort and security of all.”

From Pledge to Practice

The formation of the PPKS special task force is a definitive starting line, not a finish line. Its true test will lie in its visibility, accessibility, and the trust it builds within the student body and staff. The challenge ahead involves continuous dialogue, destigmatizing reporting, and fostering an environment where prevention is everyone’s business.

For UIII, this initiative transcends risk management. It is an investment in its core educational mission. A campus free from the threat of sexual violence is one where students and scholars can engage freely, debate vigorously, and learn optimally.

By taking this unequivocal stand, UIII is not only protecting its community but also nurturing the conditions for genuine intellectual and personal flourishing. It sends a clear message: here, dignity is non-negotiable, and the pursuit of knowledge is underpinned by an unwavering commitment to human respect.

source: https://uiii.ac.id/campus-safety-uiiis-proactive-stand-against-sexual-violence/