UMY’s 2026 orientation puts safe spaces at the center of a violence-free campus

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta has put the idea of a safe campus at the center of its 2026 Masa Ta’aruf, or student orientation program.

This year’s theme is “Strengthening Safe Spaces as a Pillar of a Progressive Campus.” Siti Aisyah Putri, chair of the orientation committee, said the program focuses on three forms of safety: physical, psychological and social.

Physical safety means protecting students from oppression, violence and other harmful acts. Psychological safety emphasizes meeting students’ emotional needs and creating an environment that does not rush to judge. Social safety aims to build an inclusive campus for students from diverse backgrounds.

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This year Mataf UMY has three main focuses: physical safe spaces, psychological safe spaces, and social safety as well.

The orientation involves 5,021 new students. Organizers also plan to seek an Indonesian MURI record for the largest number of integrity pacts signed, with a target of 3,000 pacts. The signing will be guided and launched during the Student Fair, scheduled roughly two weeks after the orientation.

Hafiz Sofyani, head of the 2026 committee, said a safe-space policy does not mean violence can be eliminated entirely. “The concept of a safe space does not mean there will be no violence, because it is very difficult to control that. But UMY is committed to properly providing every space at UMY, and if cases occur, we will try to mitigate them,” he said. He added that students must remain free to express their views, including in interactions with senior students, while the university works to reduce intimidation and violence.

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The concept of a safe space does not mean there will be no violence, because it is very difficult to control that. But UMY is committed to properly providing every space at UMY, and if cases occur, we will try to mitigate them.