RRI.CO.ID, Mataram: The Indonesian Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection emphasized the importance of safe, inclusive, and violence-free universities in Mataram. Minister Arifah Fauzi highlighted this during her visit to two universities in West Nusa Tenggara on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

She visited Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram and Universitas Mataram while witnessing a joint declaration against violence on women and children. The declaration is part of efforts to strengthen safe learning environments across campuses.

The minister said violence cases, including in universities, are widely discussed on social media platforms. She noted that the government has taken strategic steps ranging from prevention to victim protection services.

The following is her statement highlighting underreporting of violence cases in education settings. The statement also underlines the need for stronger public education and victim support systems.

“Based on a 2020 Kemendiktisaintek survey, around 63 percent of violence cases were not reported, showing the need to strengthen public awareness and reporting systems,” she said.

In adition, Arifah Fauzi, stressed that the government has strengthened legal protection through Ministerial Regulation 55 of 2024. The regulation expands campus task forces to handle various forms of violence beyond sexual violence.

She also appreciated Universitas Mataram and UIN Mataram for their commitment to creating safe academic environments. She said the declaration is expected to strengthen protection for students and academic communities.

The minister further explained that local protection units and national reporting systems are available for victims. These include SAPA 129 and SIMFONI PPA to improve case handling and reporting mechanisms.

She also highlighted gender-responsive higher education as a key strategy in eliminating discrimination. This approach integrates equality principles into policies, curricula, and campus services.

Besides, University leaders and the West Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor supported the initiative. They emphasized collective action to prevent violence across all levels of education in Indonesia.