UMS Renews Efforts to Safeguard Students from Violence

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) continues its efforts to protect its students from any form of violence. This commitment was highlighted in a talk show titled “Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education” held in the Seminar Room of the Faculty of Geography, UMS, on Friday (23/5/2025).

The talk show featured four speakers: Chair of the Students Mental Health and Wellbeing Support (SMHWS) UMS, Dra. Partini, M.Si., Psychologist; Paralegal of the Consultation and Legal Aid Body (BKBH) UMS, Avip Rusdi Hananto, S.H.; Chair of the UMS Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPT), Dr. Marisa Kurnianingsih, S.H., M.Kn., M.H.; and Chair of the UMS Disciplinary Team, Dr. Muchamad Iksan, S.H., M.H.

Paralegal of BKBH UMS, Avip Rusdi Hananto, stated that UMS has established several institutions dedicated to protecting students who are victims of violence, with each institution having its own distinct role and responsibilities.

The speakers at the talk show were presenting on the topic of student protection from acts of violence at the Faculty of Geography, UMS, May 23, 2025. Gede Arga/UMS Public Relations

“For example, in cases of immorality where both parties are consenting, it will be handled by the Disciplinary Team. But if it’s a case of sexual violence, it will go to the PPKPT,” he explained.

Avip further clarified that if a victim’s case cannot be resolved internally by the university, both the PPKPT and the Disciplinary Team will issue a recommendation to BKBH. BKBH will then assist the victim in pursuing the case through the legal system.

“If there is a recommendation from the PPKPT, the victim will be given a letter of attorney to be represented by BKBH. A dedicated team and legal counsel will provide assistance,” he said.

Avip also acknowledged that many students are still reluctant to report the violence they have experienced. It is not uncommon for them to view the violence as something that brings shame.

In fact, he continued, the fear of reporting will ultimately harm the victims, as it will weigh heavily on their minds and potentially disrupt their academic life. This fear is often driven by concerns about being publicly shamed if the case goes viral.

“If it becomes public and everyone knows it was victim A, then the victim will suffer even more. It will affect their mental state,” Avip explained. He emphasized that the legal aid institutions at UMS do not disclose the cases they handle to the public.

Avip assured that the confidentiality of all cases handled by UMS’ legal aid services is strictly maintained. Protecting the victim’s dignity remains the top priority of UMS legal aid institutions.

“When a case is private, not all members of BKBH UMS are informed about it. Only one or two individuals, including the assigned lawyer, handle it. The case is resolved properly but discreetly, according to the victim’s wishes,” he stressed.

In addition to providing legal protection, UMS also offers mental health support through SMHWS. The Chair of SMHWS UMS, Partini, stated that SMHWS is ready to provide free counseling to UMS students who have experienced violence.

SMHWS offers three types of services: promotive, preventive, and curative. “All active UMS students can access these mental health services free of charge,” said Partini.

The support provided to victims of violence by SMHWS is aimed at helping them develop the ability to manage trauma. Effective trauma management will assist victims of violence in continuing their academic life.

SMHWS continues to provide counseling support to ensure that students’ academic lives are protected. “After all, students are oriented toward earning their degree. Their focus should always be on achieving their academic goals optimally,” she concluded.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid