Archive for category: News

The recent cases of sexual harassment and violence in Indonesia are an irony. Various factors encourage cases of sexual harassment and violence, ranging from patriarchal culture to psychological disorders.

“Recent cases of sexual harassment and violence are a complex and concerning phenomenon,” said Psychology Lecturer at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta, Ratna Yunita Setiyani Subardjo, S.Psi., M.Psi, Psychologist, Saturday (12/4/2025).

Nita said that behind academic degrees and respected positions, some educated individuals actually abuse their power and influence to commit very inappropriate actions. “One of the factors that allows sexual violence to occur is the patriarchal culture that is still strong in society,” said Nita.

The view of women as objects that can be used and controlled is still inherent in some layers of society, including among the educated. This can influence their behavior and make them feel they have the right to control and take advantage of others. In addition, positions of power and access to vast resources can also make educated people with power feel unreachable by law and accountability. “They may feel that they can do anything without consequences, because they have great power and influence,” says Nita.

Another factor is the lack of empathy. The knowledge gained as an educated person is used as a tool to achieve and satisfy lust. Some of what happens may be because there are indications of psychological factors, such as psychological problems and psychological disorders. A bad childhood, having been sexually abused, or being used to watching pornography can be other causes. The existence of sexual disorientation, the habit of treating others arbitrarily and libido that is not in line with the super ego are reinforcing factors why this is easy to happen. The super ego in humans can actually control humans if they want to do bad things, if the super ego does not function and the ego becomes dominant, then there is no empathy without thinking about the effects of everything that will happen.

“The ego has the power to be fulfilled, that’s what makes them frenzied and want and want to continue doing these things without shame. However, keep in mind that sexual violence does not only occur due to these factors. Trauma and psychological disorders can also affect a person’s behavior. Some educated people may have a history of trauma or psychological disorders that affect their behavior,” he said.

The impact of sexual violence on victims is profound and prolonged. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and prolonged anxiety. Sexual violence can also affect the victim’s ability to form healthy relationships with others. Therefore, efforts to prevent and treat sexual violence are very important. Public education and awareness about sexual violence and its impact can help prevent cases like this.

“Support to victims, such as counseling and legal aid, is also very important to help them recover. Strict law enforcement against perpetrators of sexual violence can serve as a deterrent and prevent similar cases in the future,” Nita concluded.

Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta has once again demonstrated its commitment as a higher education institution that is inclusive, humanist, and open to diversity. In a community service activity entitled Project Al-Ma’un, a student of UNISA Yogyakarta’s Physiotherapist Professional Study Program, who is a non-Muslim student by the name of Mieke Paulina Ivana Dimu, conducted health counseling at the Jami Muhammadiyah Ar Rahmah Mosque, West Sumba, Sunday (13/4/2025).

This activity raised the theme of counseling on Low Back Pain, a health complaint that is often experienced by the wider community. Residents received education about the causes, prevention, and simple stretching exercises that can be done independently. In addition, the activity was also accompanied by question and answer sessions and direct demonstrations by students.

The participation of Mieke, a non-Muslim student from East Nusa Tenggara, is a clear manifestation that UNISA Yogyakarta not only accepts, but also facilitates and fully supports students from various religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “I feel very welcome at UNISA, both by my friends and lecturers. I never felt excluded or different. Instead, I feel like I am growing and can learn a lot about tolerance, empathy, and interfaith collaboration,” Mieke said.

Mieke also added that the UNISA Yogyakarta campus environment is very comfortable and supportive for non-Muslim students to adapt, both in academic and social activities. According to her, her involvement in the activities that take place in the mosque is proof that differences are not a barrier to serving and contributing to society.

“I hope UNISA Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its inclusiveness and become an example that an Islamic campus can be a warm learning home for anyone,” said Mieke.

Hilmi Zadah Faidullah, M.Sc., PhD (PT), Head of UNISA Yogyakarta’s Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Study Program, stated that this activity is not only a place for scientific practice, but also a space for learning character and values. “The involvement of students like Mieke shows that inclusivity is not just a slogan at UNISA Yogyakarta, but a value that is lived and realized in every aspect of education,” he explained.

Jami Muhammadiyah Ar Rahmah Mosque, as the location of the activity, welcomed the presence of the students. The congregation and local community leaders expressed their appreciation. They are proud to be part of this activity. The spirit of helping and educating the community regardless of faith background is a reflection of the noble values of the nation.

Through Project Al-Ma’un, UNISA Yogyakarta not only instills the value of professionalism in its students, but also emphasizes the important role of universities in building bridges of tolerance and humanity. The presence of students from various backgrounds who can unite in social missions proves that the value of inclusiveness at UNISA Yogyakarta is not only strong, but also rooted and felt by the entire academic community.