"In responding to this emergency situation of sexual violence, I, Bintang Puspayoga, and all ranks of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection fully support the issuance of the ministerial regulation concerning the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education," Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga remarked during an online dialogue originating here on Friday.
The minister affirmed that sexual violence often occurs in the university environment and greatly affects the victims, both mentally and physically.
She said the ministerial regulation can help bolster her ministry's efforts to protect women and children in the country, saying it is the right regulation to prevent, handle, and reduce the risk of recurring sexual violence on campus.
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"We hope that all academic communities in Indonesia can feel the spirit of this PPKS Ministerial Regulation and enthusiastically participate in fostering a safe academic community life that prioritizes humanity and is based on equality and justice," she remarked.
Minister Puspayoga pointed to several inequalities that still exist and described women and children as a vulnerable group. Sexual violence is one of the issues that threaten their quality of life, she added.
She said she hoped there would be collaboration from all levels of society in implementing the regulation to make higher education institutions places that support independence, build civilization, and encourage progress to achieve Advanced Indonesia.
Related news: Makarim outlines regulation detailing sexual violence forms, sanctions
Translator: Devi Nindy, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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