Task force members’ attitudinal evaluation towards sexual violence cases in Indonesian universities

Abstract

This study explores how university task force members responsible for handling and preventing sexual violence in Indonesia construe attitudes when responding to policies on sexual violence and case handling. In practice, these members face a dilemma: they are expected to enforce the Minister of Education and Culture’s sexual violence prevention policy while also navigating institutional sensitivities, including concerns about colleagues’ reputations and the university’s public image. This study uses qualitative discourse analysis informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics, particularly Appraisal Theory. Using a qualitative approach, this study draws on in-depth interviews with university task force members to document their experiences in handling and communicating sexual violence cases. The study analyzed data through the Attitude system in Martin and White’s (2005) appraisal framework, focusing on patterns of Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation. The findings show that Affect and Appreciation are the most prominent attitudinal resources in task force members’ accounts when evaluating actions, character, and responsibility related to reported cases. Concerns about protecting institutional image influence these judgments, safeguarding alleged perpetrators’ reputations and managing competing interests that may hinder enforcement. In addition, the task force members show positive attitudes toward fulfilling their responsibilities despite institutional pressures and limited technical guidance. The study suggests that task force members are positioned as actors who strive to balance strict rule enforcement by maintaining workable social relations within the institution. The findings inform institutional policy development, training programs, and guidelines for sexual prevention in higher education contexts, and support campaigning for positive attitudes in handling and preventing sexual violence cases.