Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 1 in 3 women in the world has experienced at least 1 time physical violence or sexual violence in her life (WHO, 2021). In Indonesia, data obtained from the results of the National Women’s Life Experience Survey conducted by the Central Statistics Agency in 2017 revealed that 1 in 3 women aged 15-64 years had experienced physical and sexual violence by their partners or others in their lives, and 1 in 10 women in the age range of 15-64 years experienced violence in the last 12 months.
“Gender-based violence is a form of violence that occurs in all parts of the world without exception. As the oldest Psychology Faculty in Indonesia, UI Psychology can continue to be at the forefront as a pioneer in producing the best psychologists who can come down to society to play an active role in contributing to the progress of Indonesia, “said Dr. Livia D.F. Iskandar, M.Sc., Psychologist., in a scientific oration at the 62nd Anniversary of F. Psychology UI entitled “The Contribution of Psychology in Producing Mental Health-Oriented Public Policy”.
Dr. Livia explained that providing witness and victim protection is a long and lonely job that requires a lot of effort to cross islands and oceans and unpaved roads in the dark of night in remote areas of the Indonesian archipelago. Witnesses and victims often experience actual or potential threats, as well as psychological intimidation against them or their families by the perpetrator’s family and/or other members of the community who favor the perpetrator.
“In the case with the perpetrators of public officials/public figures, even all agencies/followers will try all means so that the perpetrators are not arrested as is currently happening in East Java. Many perpetrators report back to victims so that victims do not continue their cases in the realm of criminal law. What’s worse is that often the back reporting is processed faster than the crime,” said this alumni of Psychology UI class of 1988.
According to her, the perspective of psychology is needed for the state, especially to encourage evidence-based government, so that policies are formulated and issued not only because of political considerations, but also accommodate a variety of broad scientific views, including behavioral science. The existence of this demand causes psychology to enter the realm of law. Assessment, strengthening, and psychological recovery are one form of psychological rehabilitation assistance provided by LPSK to victims.
UI Psychology celebrated its founding anniversary on July 1, 1960 with the first dean, Prof. Dr. Slamet Iman Santoso. In order to remember and learn lessons from history, past experiences, as well as fostering love for the alma mater, the 62nd Anniversary of the Faculty of Psychology UI with the theme “Building a Resilient Indonesia, Growing Sustainable” was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UI, Dr. Bagus Takwin., M. Hum., Psychologist, Secretary of UI University who represents the Rector of UI, dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Deputy Chairperson of the Witness and Victim Protection Institute (Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban, LPSK), Dr. Livia D.F. Iskandar, M.Sc.
“The choice of this theme is rooted in the belief that now that we have survived the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time for us to start growing sustainably to a higher level than before. In connection with the above, Faculty of Psychology UI and its alumni, especially the Class of 1992, 1893, and 1994, organized several activities that became a series of 62nd Anniversary celebrations, namely research , webinars, Award & Donation, Sustainability Actions, and Psychorun ,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UI, Dr. Bagus Takwin.
In his speech, he said that Faculty of Psychology UI is required to make further leaps, contribute and become a pioneer, not only a pioneer of psychology education in Indonesia, but for new things that can be better. “We need to make leaps that produce long-lasting and far-reaching changes that are beneficial for the faculty of psychology and for society,” said Dr. Bagus Takwin, whose expertise is in social psychology.
Agreeing with the Dean of Faculty of Psychology UI, Dr. Agustin Kusumayati said that this faculty cannot be a mediocre faculty, not only number one in Indonesia but number one in Southeast Asia and even Asia. “I entrust all of you, not only to lecturers, students, but also to alumni, because alumni are very instrumental in building faculty networks with their communities and all stakeholders. We have homework to be the best in the global, regional and international environment,” he said.
The Witness and Victim Protection Institute (LPSK), established in 2008, is a clear manifestation that the state supports the need for victim-witness protection. It was established under Law No. 13/2006 on Witness and Victim Protection which was later amended into Law No. 31/2014. LPSK is an independent state institution led by 7 commissioners for a 5-year period. One of LPSK’s priority criminal offenses is sexual violence. LPSK provides protection to witnesses, victims, reporters, perpetrator witnesses and experts.
