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DPR Meeting Results and Rectors on Sexual Violence Cases

From Tempo · (2d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X urged all universities to commit to eradicating sexual violence on campus during a closed meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education and four university rectors.
  • The meeting concluded with a call for serious handling of sexual violence cases and a demand for continuous monitoring of campus task forces dedicated to prevention and handling (Satgas PPKPT).
  • The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) is incorporating the prevention and handling of sexual violence as a performance indicator for university leaders and has implemented regulations to address the issue.

In a significant move to address the alarming rise in sexual violence cases across Indonesian higher education institutions, Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) convened a closed-door meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) and rectors from prominent universities, including the University of Indonesia, Padjadjaran University, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Bogor Agricultural University. The urgency of the situation, underscored by recent incidents at these very institutions, led to a clear and firm demand: a comprehensive commitment from all universities to eradicate sexual violence.

Then we ask that this handling be taken very seriously and we ask that it does not happen again.

— Maria Yohana Esti WijayatiEmphasizing the need for serious action and prevention of recurrence of sexual violence cases.

Commission X, represented by Deputy Chair Maria Yohana Esti Wijayati, emphasized that the meeting's conclusions necessitate serious and immediate action. The directive is clear: handle sexual violence cases with utmost gravity and ensure such incidents do not recur. A key outcome of the meeting was the insistence on robust monitoring of the newly established task forces for the prevention and handling of sexual violence (Satgas PPKPT) at each university. The DPR stressed that university leaders must actively guide and oversee the work of these task forces, ensuring their effectiveness in creating a safe and conducive learning environment.

We will not stop here. Commission X will follow up, perhaps more specifically in the Draft Law on the National Education System.

— Maria Yohana Esti WijayatiIndicating ongoing legislative efforts to address sexual violence in higher education.

From the perspective of Tempo, an Indonesian news outlet known for its in-depth reporting and critical analysis, this development is a crucial step, albeit one that follows a series of deeply concerning events. The fact that universities are being held accountable through performance indicators related to sexual violence prevention is a positive sign. The Ministry's proactive stance, including the issuance of regulations like the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 55 of 2024, demonstrates a governmental effort to tackle the issue systematically. The report that all state universities and a significant majority of private universities now have Satgas PPKPT is encouraging, but the true test lies in the efficacy of these measures and the genuine commitment of university leadership to foster a campus culture free from violence.

This policy is believed to encourage the seriousness of universities in eradicating sexual violence.

— Badri Munir SukocoExplaining the impact of making sexual violence prevention a performance indicator for university leaders.

Furthermore, the discussion around integrating these measures into the upcoming revision of the National Education System Law (UU Sisdiknas) signals a long-term legislative commitment. This indicates that the Indonesian government, through its legislative and executive branches, recognizes the deep-seated nature of the problem and is seeking to embed solutions within the foundational legal framework of its education system. The emphasis on not only curative measures but also preventive strategies reflects a holistic approach, aiming to build a future where Indonesian campuses are truly safe havens for learning and personal growth, reflecting the nation's values.

Then, curatively, regarding the handling of cases, both mild, moderate, and severe of the six types of violence, we have also worked on it.

— Badri Munir SukocoDescribing the ministry's actions in handling various levels of sexual violence cases.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.