Advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Universitas Andalas Establishes Task Force to Ensure a Safe and Violence-Free Campus

Padang, November 13, 2024 — Universitas Andalas reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and violence-free educational environment in line with the achievement of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through the official inauguration of its Violence Prevention and Response Task Force (Satgas PPK). The inauguration was held at the Postgraduate Building of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Andalas, in Padang.

The appointment of the 2024 Satgas PPK members was conducted alongside a Capacity Building Workshop aimed at strengthening the readiness of task force members in preventing and addressing various forms of violence within the university environment. The program equips members with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to potential cases on campus.

Rector of Universitas Andalas, Efa Yonnedi, emphasized the university’s firm commitment to addressing all forms of violence with zero tolerance. He stated that the university will take strict action against any perpetrators of violence within the academic environment.

“We will not tolerate any form of violence on campus. Strict sanctions will be imposed on perpetrators without exception,” he asserted.

The establishment of the Satgas PPK is also based on the Regulation of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Permendikbudristek) No. 55 of 2024 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Institutions. This regulation expands the scope of previous frameworks, covering not only sexual violence but also physical and psychological abuse, bullying, discrimination, intolerance, and even institutional policies that may contain elements of violence.

Through this initiative, Universitas Andalas strengthens its institutional framework to effectively prevent and respond to various forms of violence within the campus environment. The Satgas PPK is expected to serve as the frontline mechanism in protecting members of the academic community while ensuring a safe, fair, and respectful learning environment.

This step further reinforces Universitas Andalas’ contribution to SDG 5 by promoting protection and equality without discrimination, as well as SDG 16 through the development of transparent, accountable, and responsive institutional governance. Through the active role of the Satgas PPK, the university continues to build a higher education ecosystem that is safe, inclusive, and grounded in integrity for all members of its academic community.