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| Launch of UMM PPKS Task Force (Photo: Devi Public Relations) |
The Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) has urged all public and private campuses to establish Prevention and Handling Units (PPKS) for Sexual Violence. This initiative was warmly welcomed by the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), which held a workshop and launched the UMM PPKS Task Force on June 7. This effort marks the White Campus' commitment to safeguarding its academic community from negative incidents.
Regarding this matter, Wahyudi Kurniawan, SH., MH.Li., a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UMM, stated that cases of sexual violence are most prevalent in higher education institutions. Thus, the task force serves as a frontline defense in preventing sexual violence and harassment. Victims of sexual violence often require extensive time for recovery, particularly on a psychological level.
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"Community and family participation are crucial for the victim's recovery process. Handling these cases also requires reliable evidence to avoid causing further harm," he said.
Also present was Iptu Khusnul Khotimah, Head of the Women and Children Protection Unit (Kanit PPA) at Malang City Police, who served as a speaker. During the session, she explained various types of sexual violence. The most common is sexual violence through technology and communication.
"It typically starts with online introductions, where the victim perceives the perpetrator as kind and attractive. Consequently, when persuaded to send compromising photos or videos, the victim becomes entrapped and complies," explained Khusnul.
Perpetrators often use these images and videos to extort victims and threaten their families. They may also exploit these materials for personal gain. This situation can lead to depression and silence among victims who perceive the incident as shameful.
Secondly, verbal violence involves sexually suggestive remarks that can profoundly affect victims psychologically. Continuous sexual harassment can lead to depression and trauma.
"Sexual violence victims often remain silent, feeling unable to speak out. This silence can lead to emotional distress and sometimes suicide attempts. Gathering information in such cases can be challenging, often requiring psychological support to aid recovery," she concluded.
Thirdly, non-physical sexual violence resembles verbal abuse but does not involve physical contact. For instance, recent viral cases where perpetrators expose themselves inappropriately causing distress to victims. The last is physical sexual violence. This form of violence is of course violence that is directly in contact and has been widely encountered.
The consequences of sexual violence include sexual trauma, suicidal tendencies, reproductive health issues, behavioral changes, psychological impacts, physical injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, societal stigma, and unwanted pregnancies. Khusnul emphasized that sexual violence affects not only women, but also men.
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Meanwhile, Dr. Nur Subeki, ST. MT., Vice Rector III of UMM, expressed hopes for enhanced campus protection. With the establishment of the task force, he aims to prevent bullying, harassment, assault, and other serious offenses within the campus community, particularly within Muhammadiyah.
"Let us collectively safeguard our campus and Muhammadiyah from such incidents. Let UMM be known for providing a safe and comfortable environment, free from bullying, harassment, assault, and other misconduct," he emphasized. (dev/wil/fajr)
