TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A series of sexual harassment and violence cases have recently emerged on Indonesian university campuses. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) recorded 233 cases of violence, including sexual violence, in educational environments from January to March 2026.
Higher education institutions accounted for 11 percent of reported cases, following schools at 71 percent. Other locations included Islamic boarding schools (9 percent), non-formal education institutions (6 percent), and Islamic schools (3 percent).
JPPI data also shows that sexual violence is the most common form, accounting for 46 percent of cases, followed by physical violence (34 percent), bullying (19 percent), policy-related violence (6 percent), and psychological violence (2 percent).
“The high number of sexual violence cases in education settings indicates a serious failure to protect students from fundamental crimes against the body and human dignity,” said JPPI National Coordinator Ubaid Matraji on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Recent reports have drawn public attention to a number of universities, including several high-profile incidents. Below is a summary of cases across campuses.
1. University of Indonesia (UI)
A total of 16 students from the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia, are suspected of sexually harassing 20 female students and seven lecturers from the same faculty through verbal abuse.
The alleged perpetrators reportedly engaged in sexually suggestive conversations in an internal messaging group. Screenshots of the conversation circulated on social media through the @sampahfhui account on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The victims’ legal representative, Timotius Rajagukguk, said the verbal harassment had been ongoing since 2025. The UI Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence questioned the suspected perpetrators on April 13.
In response, UI suspended the 16 students involved. UI Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs Erwin Agustian Panigoro said the suspension was not a final sanction.
“This policy is a preventive administrative step to maintain the integrity of the examination process and protect all parties involved,” he said on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
2. Jakarta State University (UNJ)
A student from the Faculty of Social Sciences at UNJ, Anna Abelina, accompanied a victim in a sexual violence case allegedly involving Fathi Aji Setiawan, commander of the UNJ Greenforce student organization for the 2026–2027 period.
The case surfaced after the student organization under the UNJ Student Executive Board dismissed Fathi from his position on April 1, 2026, following allegations of verbal and non-verbal sexual harassment.
Anna said the abuse took place between July 2025 and March 2026. During that time, the alleged perpetrator reportedly coerced the victim into physical relations despite repeated refusals, exerted psychological pressure, and manipulated the victim.
“The victim demands social and academic sanctions against the alleged perpetrator to serve as a deterrent and prevent further victims,” she said on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
3. Padjadjaran University (Unpad)
A senior lecturer from the Faculty of Nursing at Unpad, identified as IY, is suspected of committing sexual violence against an exchange student. The case was uncovered by the university’s student executive board after reports circulated on social media.
“We reject any tolerance or perpetuation of sexual violence in academic environments. There is no tolerance for institutions, organizations, or individuals who remain silent, protect perpetrators, or prioritize reputation over victim safety,” the Unpad Student Executive Board said in a statement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Unpad Rector Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita said the university does not tolerate any form of violence on campus.
“Every alleged violation will be followed up seriously in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
He added that the university had temporarily suspended the lecturer while an investigation is carried out by the Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence and the faculty senate.
“If the investigation confirms sexual violence, Padjadjaran University will impose sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he said.
4. Budi Luhur University
A Budi Luhur University alumna reported a lecturer identified as Y to police over alleged sexual violence. Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson Commissioner Budi Hermanto said the report was filed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The victim’s lawyer, Pahala Manurung, said the incident occurred in March 2021 when the victim was still a student.
The report includes allegations of both verbal and non-verbal harassment by the lecturer, who was the victim’s instructor at the time.
“We hope the police will take firm action on this report to prevent further victims,” Pahala said on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Budi Luhur University confirmed that the lecturer has been suspended since February 27, 2026.
“Based on the investigation results and the examination by the Task Force for the Prevention of Violence on Campus, the university has taken firm and structured steps by suspending the lecturer through a rector’s decree,” said Rector Agus Setyo on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
5. Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (Untirta)
A student identified as Moch Zidan is suspected of sexually harassing a lecturer after allegedly recording the victim inside a campus restroom on March 31, 2026.
As a result, the university terminated the student’s enrollment in the D3 Banking and Finance program at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
The sanction was issued through Rector Decree No. 366/Un43/Kpt.Hk.02/2026 on April 13, 2026, imposing the most severe administrative penalty.
6. Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
A performance by the Mining Engineering Student Association’s semi-dangdut orchestra at ITB came under scrutiny after a song titled “Erika,” originally created in the 1980s, was found to contain sexist and derogatory lyrics.
The association issued an apology after the song resurfaced on social media, acknowledging public concern.
“We understand the sensitivity of this issue and express concern and empathy, especially toward women,” it said in a statement on Instagram @yudhabumi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The organization admitted the performance did not reflect current social norms or ethical standards in academic environments.
“HMT-ITB firmly states that we do not condone any action that diminishes the dignity of individuals or any group,” it said.
Read: UI Sexual Harassment Case: Suspension of 16 Students Not Final Sanction
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