Semarang – The Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satuan Tugas Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan Seksual / Satgas PPKS) at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a socialization event on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence on June 25, 2024. The event took place at the Engineering Hall, 5th Floor of the Dean Building, Faculty of Engineering, UNDIP.
The event, titled “Synergy Between Faculties and the University in Efforts to Make UNDIP Safe from Sexual Violence,” featured a presentation by the Chairperson of Satgas PPKS on sexual violence and an open discussion with participants. The Rector, Vice Rectors, Deans of Faculties and Schools, members of the UNDIP academic community, and representatives of Denok Kenang Semarang attended the event.
Dr. Hastaning Sakti, M.Kes., a psychologist and Chairperson of Satgas PPKS, was the keynote speaker. She explained that violence often arises from coercion by one or more parties, with the discussion focusing on coercion involving sexual matters. She also elaborated on Permendikbudristek / Regulation No. 30 of 2021 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology regarding the prevention and handling of sexual violence in higher education institutions.
Dr. Hastaning Sakti discussed various topics, including the forms of sexual violence, factors contributing to sexual violence, and the process for reporting cases of sexual violence at UNDIP.
She detailed that sexual violence can include leering, sexually suggestive comments or jokes, recording and distributing sexual content, non-consensual touching, coercion into sexual activities, and other inappropriate behaviors. Sexual violence occurs when there is no mutual consent or when it is forced by one party.
Dr. Hastaning Sakti also introduced the FRIES method for understanding consent, which stands for Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific. Consent is valid when both parties agree without coercion, can withdraw consent at any time, are fully informed, agree willingly, and only for specific activities explicitly agreed upon.
“Silence is not consent; the victim’s silence does not mean they agree,” she emphasized. Victims may remain silent due to shock or fear in response to the situation.
Sexual violence can also stem from normalizing inappropriate behaviors, such as vulgar conversations or jokes that demean women. Such normalization can encourage perpetrators to escalate their actions, potentially leading to severe offenses like rape.
Other factors contributing to sexual violence include opportunities, loneliness and temptation, lack of understanding about sexual violence, and ignorance about the concept of consent.
To prevent and address sexual violence, universities have a responsibility to create safe work and learning environments, fostering a zero-tolerance culture toward sexual violence. “Let us protect the dignity of the nation together, Wiyata Hangreksa Gapuraning Negara,” concluded Dr. Hastaning Sakti.
To fulfill its role, Satgas PPKS UNDIP collaborates with partner organizations aligned with its mission, such as DWP Sahabat Kampus, Bersua Bersuara, Girl Up Diponegoro, KTC (Kita Teman Cerita), and FISIP Wellness Unit. Satgas PPKS also engages Denok Kenang as ambassadors to promote anti-sexual violence, anti-bullying, and anti-intolerance campaigns.
UNDIP supports Satgas PPKS by providing sexual violence reporting hotline at 081-222-3366-46 (urgent calls) and additional reporting channels via official accounts, including Instagram (@satgasppksundip), WhatsApp (081-222-3366-46) and email (satgas_ppks@undip.ac.id).
