7 Protections Entitled to Victims of Sexual Violence on Campus

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A case of sexual violence in the higher education environment has resurfaced following the viral incident involving a group chat containing conversations with a harassing tone by 16 students from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Indonesia (FHUI).

This event has not only prompted various parties to highlight the alleged incidents and perpetrators but also the aspects of adequate and comprehensive protection for victims.

These protection aspects include handling mechanisms and recovery as regulated in the Sexual Violence Crime Act (TPKS).

This is because the impacts experienced by victims of sexual violence extend far beyond the classroom—touching on psychological, social, and study continuity aspects.

So, what forms of protection must victims of sexual violence receive?

This is regulated in the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation (Permendikbudristek) Number 55 of 2024 on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in the Higher Education Environment.

“In higher education institutions, victims of sexual harassment are entitled to comprehensive protection,” said Arifah to Kompas.com on Thursday (16/4/2026).

This protection includes immediate protection and a sense of safety up to social recovery.

The campus is obliged to arrange classes, guidance schedules, or locations so that victims do not cross paths with the suspects; the campus can coordinate with campus security or guards and authorities if there are threats; and not disseminate the victim’s name and data without consent.

Second, psychological and medical support in the form of free counselling, trauma healing, and medical services.

This includes providing campus psychologist services or referrals to professionals, long-term trauma healing, as well as examinations or visum and treatment if there are physical injuries.

“The costs are covered by the campus or facilitated,” explained Arifah.

Third, academic protection that covers academic adjustments, guarantees of study continuity, and scholarships.