16 IPB Students Suspended for One Semester Over Sexual Harassment Case in Group Chat
Bogor, VIVA – Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) has imposed firm sanctions on several students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT) involved in an alleged sexual harassment case through private group chat conversations.
A total of 16 students have been officially subjected to a one-semester suspension after being found to have violated campus regulations and ethical norms.
IPB University Rector, Arif Satria, affirmed that the educational institution does not tolerate any form of sexual violence. In his official statement, he conveyed the campus’s commitment to ensuring a safe and dignified academic environment.
“We stand with the victims, protect, restore, and ensure their rights are fulfilled without compromise. The campus must be a safe, comfortable, and dignified space for the entire academic community,” he said, quoted on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Furthermore, the rector’s office also emphasised the importance of transparency in handling the case. The resolution process involved student elements through communication with organisations and student representatives to maintain openness, justice, and public trust in the institution.
The case originated from inappropriate conversations that occurred in a private group chat in 2024. In those conversations, several students allegedly made comments directed at harassing a female student.
Although mediation efforts were initially attempted by seniors or upperclassmen, the victim felt that full justice had not been achieved.
The matter was eventually reported officially to the faculty in mid-April 2026. Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at IPB, Slamet Budijanto, explained that the report was received on 14 April 2026 and was immediately followed up with a series of examination processes.
“Based on the examination team’s findings, there are 16 students identified as involved in violations of campus life regulations and sexual harassment against a female student. This incident occurred in 2024 and was officially reported to the institution on 14 April 2026,” Slamet revealed.
One day after the report was received, a team from FTT along with the Campus Security, Safety, and Protection Management Office summoned the reporter for initial deepening. This process was then continued with summonses to related parties on 16 April to gather evidence and compile a comprehensive chronology of the incident.