Yogyakarta, 26th of May 2026—The Department of Politics and Government Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (DPP UGM) held an awareness-raising event on addressing sexual violence and mental health.
The event was organized in response to growing public concern over cases of violence in academic settings, including student demonstrations at UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta demanding the dismissal of 11 faculty members suspected of sexual violence.
The Head of the Department of Politics and Government at UGM, AAGN Ari Dwipayana, emphasized that the department has the authority to take firm action in addressing issues of violence, but also provides ample space for recovery from the impact of such violence. “There is no tolerance for violence, but there is always room for recovery,” he said.
Guided by Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 55 of 2024, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Sharing and Caring Task Force ensure that every report from students, faculty members, or educational staff is handled with empathy, responsive action, and a guarantee of full protection. This framework aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all members of the academic community.
“Look” means recognizing signs of distress or difficulty in others. ‘Listen’ involves empathic engagement with those experiencing problems. Finally, “Link” means connecting individuals with professional help. Through these three basic principles of psychological first aid, students are expected to identify and take initial action regarding psychological issues on campus before they escalate into more serious problems.
This event also serves as a platform to build capacity among students, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively support their peers. By fostering a culture of awareness and empathy, DPP UGM aims to create a more resilient academic community capable of addressing and mitigating the impact of violence and mental health challenges.
Furthermore, this outreach event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting basic services and education related to mental health as well as the prevention of violence. By prioritizing these areas, UGM is taking a significant step toward ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
The awareness-raising event organized by the UGM Central Executive Board marks an important step in addressing the pressing issues of sexual violence and mental health in the academic community. By combining firm action against violence with a compassionate approach to recovery, the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences sets an example for other institutions to follow, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive educational environment.