The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Setiadi, has officially confirmed that Dr. Cahyaningrum Dewojati is an active teaching staff member within the faculty. This confirmation comes amidst scrutiny surrounding Dr. Dewojati’s association with a foundation currently under police investigation.
Dr. Cahyaningrum Dewojati’s name has surfaced as an advisor for the Daycare Little Aresha foundation, which recently garnered significant public attention after being raided by police. The raid was prompted by serious allegations of violence and child neglect within the facility, raising concerns across the community.
Addressing the matter, Professor Setiadi emphasized that Dr. Dewojati’s involvement with the foundation was undertaken “entirely in a private capacity.” He issued this statement on Thursday, April 30, clarifying the institutional position of FIB UGM concerning the developing controversy.
Setiadi further asserted that FIB UGM, as an institution, maintains no legal ties, formal cooperation, or operational involvement whatsoever with the Yayasan Daycare Little Aresha. This clear demarcation aims to establish the university’s independence from the foundation’s activities and legal challenges.
The university’s stance underscores a fundamental principle: “All activities outside the faculty’s academic duties are the personal responsibility of the individual concerned.” This policy highlights that while Dr. Dewojati is an employee, her personal engagements fall outside the institution’s official purview.
FIB UGM is actively monitoring public sentiment and aspirations regarding the status of the lecturer involved. This careful observation reflects the faculty’s commitment to transparency and its awareness of the broader societal implications of the case.
In its handling of this sensitive situation, FIB UGM has pledged to maintain a neutral and objective approach. A key aspect of this impartiality is the decision not to provide institutional legal defense for Dr. Cahyaningrum Dewojati, reinforcing the separation between personal and official responsibilities.
Professor Setiadi reiterated, “We do not provide institutional legal defense for actions that fall outside the scope of official duties and academic responsibilities.” This statement firmly establishes the boundaries of institutional support, particularly for activities unrelated to their core academic and administrative functions.
The faculty is committed to rigorously monitoring the progression of this case. Furthermore, FIB UGM is coordinating closely with the wider university administration to determine and implement appropriate follow-up measures, ensuring full compliance with the established employee disciplinary regulations applicable across UGM.
Demonstrating its commitment to justice and accountability, FIB UGM has expressed its full support for the legal actions initiated by the Yogyakarta City Police (Polresta Yogyakarta). This endorsement highlights the university’s belief in due process and law enforcement’s role in addressing serious allegations.
FIB UGM articulates a strong hope that the legal proceedings will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, ultimately providing legal certainty for all parties involved, most importantly delivering justice for the victims. The faculty emphasizes that this tragic incident serves as a crucial reminder of the imperative to create safe spaces for children and fully supports the development of an inclusive social environment free from any form of violence.
The faculty also conveyed its profound concern and deep regret regarding the acts of violence that allegedly occurred at Daycare Little Aresha. This expression of concern underscores the human impact of the incident on the wider community.
Concluding his statement, Professor Setiadi affirmed, “We view all forms of violence against children as actions fundamentally contrary to the humanitarian and cultural values that we hold in high esteem.” This powerful declaration reaffirms FIB UGM’s unwavering commitment to ethical principles and child protection.
Summary
Dean of FIB UGM, Professor Setiadi, confirmed that lecturer Dr. Cahyaningrum Dewojati acted as an advisor for Daycare Little Aresha in a strictly private capacity. The university faculty clarified that it has no formal, legal, or operational ties to the foundation under investigation. Consequently, any activities outside of official academic duties are considered the individual’s personal responsibility.
FIB UGM will not provide institutional legal defense for the lecturer in the ongoing investigation into allegations of child violence at the facility. The faculty supports the legal actions taken by the Yogyakarta City Police and expresses deep regret over the incident. They are currently monitoring the situation to determine appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with university regulations.