Minister Arifah: Campuses must become safe spaces free from violence
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, has emphasised that higher education institutions must become safe, inclusive spaces free from violence against women.
“We have seen cases of violence widely discussed on social media, including those occurring in higher education institutions. In addressing this dynamic, the government has undertaken various efforts to reduce violence rates through strategic measures, ranging from prevention, regulatory strengthening, programme implementation, to the provision of comprehensive protection services for victims,” she stated in a press release in Jakarta on Monday.
She made these remarks during her visit to the State Islamic University (UIN) Mataram and Universitas Mataram (Unram) in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara.
In preventing and handling violence in higher education, according to her, the government cannot work alone but requires synergy and cross-sector collaboration.
“This situation underscores the importance of enhancing public education as well as strengthening services for victims so that they are brave enough to report,” said Arifah Fauzi.
The government has strengthened the legal framework through Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation Number 55 of 2024 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Environments.
This regulation expands the scope of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (Satgas PPKPT) in addressing violence, not limited to sexual violence, but also bullying, physical violence, verbal violence, intolerance, and other forms of violence.
“We appreciate the efforts of Unram and UIN Mataram campuses, which have undertaken various initiatives to realise a safe and comfortable campus environment for the entire academic community, including students. Hopefully, the commitment and declaration against violence towards women and children proclaimed by the campuses can truly provide benefits for all,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi.