Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) shows its commitment to help victims of sexual harassment cases by providing various forms of support, both in terms of psychological and physical health and legal assistance. The Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., said that the university is ready to provide assistance and facilities to relieve the victims’ burden.

“We, the central and regional governments along with the police, are willing to help and facilitate the victims, including therapy from psychologists. We have psychologists and human resources (HR) who can help the victims not to be dissolved in the trauma suffered. We are also willing to provide legal assistance,” said the Rector of Unram when interviewed by Unram Public Relations on Monday, December 9, 2024.

He added that Unram is also ready to help deal with health problems that may be faced by the victims. “If they experience psychological trauma that affects their physical health, such as moodiness and illness, we are ready to provide assistance,” he said.

As a form of real initiative, Unram facilitated a meeting between the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf and several victims accompanied by the Unram Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) to prevent similar cases occurring in the future. “We want to ensure that this incident does not increase,” added Prof. Bambang.

One of the victims expressed the desire for this case to be continued until the perpetrator gets a fair punishment. “The victims want this case to continue and the perpetrators to be punished fairly,” said the Rector of Unram, quoting the statement of one of the victims.

In this spirit, the Rector emphasized that Unram is ready to help whenever needed. “Unram, whether requested or not, is ready to help,” he concluded.

At the meeting held at the Unram Rectorate, the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf or who is familiarly called Gus Ipul also expressed his support for the handling of this case. “In principle, we provide support according to the needs of those who suffer. They want this case to continue and they are ready to be witnesses as they are. Their hope is that this will be a lesson, so that no more women become victims of sexual violence,” Gus Ipul said.

He also emphasized the importance of joint attention to various forms of violence, including those involving migrant children, domestic violence, and victims of sexual violence. “Everything related to migrant children, domestic violence, victims of sexual violence must be our common concern,” he said.

Gus Ipul also expressed his appreciation for the collaboration that has been established between the government and various non-governmental parties in handling this case. “I am very happy, grateful that the collaboration between government and non-government here is excellent. The police already have procedures in handling people with disabilities as perpetrators, Unram is also committed to the front, so it’s special. I appreciate it. Of course this is the togetherness of the partners built,” he said.

With these various efforts, Unram hopes that victims will get justice and proper recovery, and cases of sexual harassment can be prevented early on.