Prof. Dr. Ir. Herlien Dwiarti Soemari, Chair of the ITB PPK Task Force, shared her thoughts during her opening remarks, stating, “The purpose of this socialization is to ensure that the ITB campus becomes a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for both campus residents and the surrounding community.”

Therefore, it is essential to implement firm efforts to prevent any instances of violence within the ITB community. “We are hopeful that faculty members and students will take the initiative to be at the forefront of preventing violence on the ITB campus,” she remarked.

During the first session, Dr. apt. Pratiwi Wikaningtyas delivered a presentation that provided an introduction to the ITB PPK Task Force, during which she explained, “Initially, this task force was known as the ITB PPKS Task Force. However, in line with the new guidelines set forth in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 55/2024, it has been renamed the ITB PPK Task Force, with its scope now broadened to encompass forms of violence beyond just sexual violence.”

The ITB PPK Task Force is structured into two primary divisions: prevention and handling. The prevention team engages in counseling sessions, serving as thesis advisors, collaborating with external partners, conducting comprehensive surveys, and other related activities. Meanwhile, the handling team is responsible for managing a dedicated hotline, addressing reported cases of violence, providing guidance for both victims and perpetrators of violence, moderating Studium Generale sessions, and more.

Rr. Diah Asih Purwaningrum, Ph.D., elaborated on the definition and various forms of violence. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation No. 55 of 2022, violence is defined as any action, whether or not it involves physical force, that poses a threat to a person’s body or life, results in physical, sexual, or psychological suffering, or restricts an individual’s freedom, including situations where a person is rendered unconscious or helpless.

The forms of violence that the PPK Task Force is equipped to address include physical violence, psychological violence, bullying, sexual violence, discrimination, and intolerance. “The decision to expand this regulation came about because the ministry received a significant number of reports not only concerning sexual violence, but also issues related to bullying and intolerance,” she pointed out.

She explained that sexual violence has characteristics distinct from general criminal offenses, requiring special treatment. “Sexual violence is not only a criminal offense but also a crime against humanity, as its trauma can last a lifetime,” she stated.

Two essential elements of sexual violence are the absence of consent and a power dynamic from the perpetrator to the victim. Sometimes victims do not resist, but this does not mean they issue consent; rather, they are in a state of shock. “What I want to emphasize here is that we have tonic immobility, a condition where an individual cannot move during sexual violence due to shock. If this is misunderstood, it could lead to victim blaming,” she said.

In addition to addressing sexual violence, she provided insights into other forms, including physical violence, psychological violence, bullying, discrimination, and intolerance.

Dr. apt. Pratiwi also explained campus policies that may involve elements of violence. “Such policies encompass both written and unwritten forms. Written policies include official decisions, circulars, memos, guidelines, and/or other documented directives, while unwritten policies consist of appeals, instructions, and/or other forms of action taken within the campus environment,” she clarified.

Translator: Nafi'ah Rahni Nugrahanti (Civil Engineering Student, 2023).