At PKKMB Udayana University, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Fauzan Urges: Cultivate Positive Thinking, Avoid Violence

Jimbaran – Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Wamen Diktisaintek), Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., was one of the speakers at the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) event at Udayana University, held at the Widya Sabha Auditorium, Jimbaran Campus, on Tuesday (August 12, 2025). The PKKMB event was attended by 6,500 students.

The session was opened by moderator I Gusti Agung Ayu Dike Widhiyaastuti, S.H., M.H. (Chair of the Unud PPKS Task Force), who stated that violence is one of the "three major sins" that frequently occur in higher education institutions. Violence on campus can significantly reduce the quality of universities as educational institutions, which should be nurturing a strong and empowered young generation especially in preparation for Indonesia's Golden Generation of 2045.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology now known as Kemdiktisaintek has issued Ministerial Regulation No. 55 of 2024 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Institutions (PPKPT), as a regulatory framework for all universities across Indonesia to optimize efforts in preventing and addressing violence within campus environments. This year, Udayana University had the opportunity to directly receive a campaign on the prevention and handling of campus violence from the Deputy Minister.

In his presentation, Prof. Fauzan emphasized that university students, as individuals in the highest educational stratum above school students, bear the logical consequence of needing to undergo a transformation in mindset, mentality, and constructive behavior to embody the true meaning of being a student. Students carry the responsibility of upholding values, norms, and ethics.

He illustrated his point by inviting the audience to reflect on a video showing the evolution of a caterpillar into a cocoon and eventually a butterfly a metaphor for the struggle and transformation required to become a more functional and impactful version of oneself. Students, likened to cocoons, are in the process of becoming butterflies symbolizing beauty, which in a student’s context means strong character and ethical behavior. This transformation is a journey undertaken during the college years. The analogy of the caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly should serve as a reminder that those who strive hard and demonstrate resilience are the ones who will succeed early.

“Our real challenge is to eliminate mindsets and feelings that hinder success,” said Prof. Fauzan.

He urged students to avoid all forms of violence including sexual, verbal, and physical abuse and to become the nation’s hopefuls. Indonesia needs human resources with integrity and above-average capabilities.

Prof. Fauzan also encouraged participants to develop positive thinking, which he described as the ability to view situations through a positive lens. Conversely, those who think negatively perceive everything with a negative mindset. A good person, he emphasized, is someone who consistently practices positive thinking this is the key.

When there is socialization or discussion regarding verbal or physical violence, students should take it as a lesson not something to imitate, but to actively avoid. He expressed his hope that no acts of violence would occur on campus. Most importantly, he added, is understanding how to protect oneself from violence and strive to be a good person.

A strong commitment to living according to cultural and religious values is, in itself, a form of protection. If violence does occur, students are encouraged to report it to the appropriate team, as every university now has a PPKPT Team in place.

In closing, the Deputy Minister reminded new students to stay away from destructive behaviors that could harm themselves, including all forms of violence sexual, physical, and verbal. His hope is that this generation will become an excellent generation that will lead the nation into the future.