Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Golkar Party faction in the\nIndonesian House of Representatives, Muhammad Sarmuji, stressed that\nuniversities must become safe spaces through the strengthening of secure\nand independent reporting systems, maximum protection for victims, and\ntransparency in handling cases at every higher education\ninstitution.<\/p>\n
\u201cUniversities must return to being safe spaces, not places filled\nwith fear,\u201d said Sarmuji in a written statement in Jakarta on\nMonday.<\/p>\n
He made the statement as an expression of concern and anger over\nseveral sexual violence cases that have resurfaced in higher education\nenvironments throughout April 2026.<\/p>\n
Sarmuji, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Golkar\nParty, urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology\nnot to stop at regulations alone but to ensure effective implementation\nand oversight across all universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegulations already exist, but their implementation is weak. What is\nneeded now is the courage to enforce the rules and protect victims,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He assessed that several cases occurring at the University of\nIndonesia, Jakarta State University, Padjadjaran University, Budi Luhur\nUniversity, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, and Bandung Institute of\nTechnology indicate that campuses can no longer be considered safe and\ncomfortable spaces for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is no longer just one or two rogue individuals. This is a \u2018loud\nalarm\u2019 that universities have failed in their basic function as safe\neducational spaces. If cases continue to recur across various\nuniversities, it means there is something systemically wrong, and campus\nleaders are unable to create an atmosphere that protects students,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents are in a vulnerable position. When protection is absent\nfrom the institution, the university becomes a frightening place rather\nthan a place of learning,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that such incidents are not new, as in recent years,\nthe public has also been shocked by various sexual violence cases at\nseveral renowned universities in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
However, according to him, the recurring pattern without significant\nimprovements shows a lack of commitment from institutions to undertake\ncomprehensive reforms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must no longer normalise such incidents. Every case is an\ninstitutional failure,\u201d said Sarmuji.<\/p>\n
He added that sexual violence cases on campuses must also be\nunderstood as a phenomenon much larger than what appears on the\nsurface.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is revealed to the public today is merely the \u2018tip of the\niceberg\u2019 phenomenon that seems to be only a portion of the reality,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Sarmuji stated that the Golkar Party faction is pushing for firmer\npolicies, including the possibility of imposing sanctions on the highest\nuniversity leaders if they are proven to have failed in creating a safe\ncampus environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cClear sanction mechanisms need to be considered. If a sexual\nharassment case occurs at a university, the leadership cannot wash their\nhands of it. That is an indicator of leadership failure,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/golkar-faction-strengthen-reporting-systems-make-campuses-safe-spaces-1776693059", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }