SEMARANG — Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has formalized its commitment to equality and inclusion through institutional policies designed to prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying, and violence across its academic community. Supported by official regulations, reporting mechanisms, counseling services, and disability support, the university aims to create a safe environment in which students, lecturers, and staff are treated with dignity regardless of their religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, or social background.
Official Circular Reinforces the Commitment to Non-Discrimination
UNNES’s commitment is set out in Circular Letter No. B/996/UN37/KP.06.05/2024 concerning the Strengthening of an Inclusive and Anti-Discrimination Campus. Issued on January 31, 2024, the circular calls on university leaders, faculties, and administrative units to promote equal access and services for members of the academic community.
The policy promotes equal opportunities, access, and services without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, race, gender, social status, physical ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, or political views. It also requires lecturers, educational staff, and students to help maintain learning, working, and social environments free from discrimination, verbal and non-verbal violence, harassment, and bullying.
The circular also directs faculties and university units to integrate inclusive principles into academic activities, student affairs, and public services. These units are expected to provide accessible programmes and services and conduct education and awareness activities promoting tolerance, diversity, and anti-discrimination. The policy provides for sanctions against individuals found to have engaged in discriminatory conduct, in accordance with applicable regulations and university policies.
Regulations Establish Procedures for Preventing and Addressing Violence
UNNES’s anti-discrimination framework is supported by formal regulations addressing violence and harassment. Rector’s Regulation No. 24 of 2021 originally governed the prevention and handling of sexual violence at the university. However, it was subsequently revoked and replaced by Rector’s Regulation No. 115 of 2024 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Violence within UNNES. The newer regulation was established on October 30, 2024, and is listed as active in the university’s Legal Documentation and Information Network (JDIH).
The updated regulation provides a more current institutional framework for addressing violence on campus. This distinction is important because the university’s anti-discrimination efforts should be understood in light of its latest applicable policies rather than relying exclusively on an earlier regulation.
UNNES has also established a Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS). The university’s published appointment decision establishes the task force for the 2024–2026 period and assigns it responsibility for carrying out its duties and reporting to the rector.
Reporting and Support Mechanisms Help Implement the Policies
To support implementation, UNNES provides official complaint channels for reporting sexual violence and other concerns. Its explains how reports concerning sexual violence can be submitted through the PPKS Task Force, including through a complaint form and hotline. The page also provides a route for submitting complaints through the national LAPOR! system and information on contacting the university’s public relations office.
These mechanisms are important because a written policy is most effective when members of the university community know where to seek assistance and how to report incidents. The availability of reporting channels provides a formal route for raising concerns, while dedicated task-force and support services help the university respond to cases within its institutional responsibilities.
UNNES’s circular also identifies counseling services, the PPKS Task Force, and the Disability Service Unit (ULD) as important points of support for receiving complaints, providing assistance, and following up on discrimination-related concerns or violations of individual rights.
- Disability Support and Religious Diversity Promote Inclusion
UNNES’s commitment to inclusion also extends to accessibility for people with disabilities and respect for religious diversity. Rector’s Regulation No. 116 of 2024 addresses educational services for students with disabilities and is listed as active in the university’s JDIH. This regulation provides a formal basis for supporting students with disabilities and promoting more accessible educational services.
These initiatives complement the university’s anti-discrimination policies by addressing practical barriers to participation. Equal treatment requires not only protection against discriminatory conduct but also attention to accessibility, religious practice, and the ability of individuals to participate in campus life.
The university has also documented the availability of interfaith prayer facilities as part of its efforts to accommodate religious diversity. In addition, UNNES provides opportunities for students to participate in religious communities and activities, supporting an environment in which different beliefs can be respected.
Continuing the Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive University
Through Circular Letter No. B/996/UN37/KP.06.05/2024, Rector’s Regulation No. 115 of 2024, formal complaint channels, and disability and counseling services, UNNES has established institutional measures to promote non-discrimination and respond to violence and harassment.
The university’s policies set expectations for the entire academic community and provide designated mechanisms for reporting concerns and obtaining support. Public access to the circular, regulations, and complaint procedures also allows students, staff, and other stakeholders to understand the university’s approach and the channels available to them.