Academic Status of 16 Suspected FH UI Students in Lewd Chat Case Suspended

Universitas Indonesia (UI) has deactivated the academic status of 16 students from the Faculty of Law (FH) suspected of involvement in a sexual harassment case in a group chat. This step follows an Internal Memo on the Plan for Follow-Up Examination (RTLP) from UI’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence (Satgas PPK), dated 15 April 2026. In the memo, the task force officially recommended the temporary suspension of student status for the 16 suspects. “In response to this recommendation, UI has established a temporary academic deactivation for the 16 suspected students from 15 April to 30 May 2026. This policy is a preventive administrative measure taken to maintain the integrity of the examination process and protect all parties involved,” said UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, in his statement on Thursday (16/4). During the deactivation period, the suspects are not permitted to participate in any educational activities or teaching and learning processes, including lectures, academic guidance, or other academic-related activities. Additionally, they are not allowed on campus premises, except for examination purposes by the Satgas PPK or urgent, unavoidable needs under university supervision. UI has also imposed restrictions on the suspects’ involvement in student organisation activities. Intensive monitoring is conducted to prevent direct or indirect interactions with victims or witnesses during the examination process. “This step is taken as part of the university’s commitment to ensuring the examination process runs objectively, protecting all involved parties, and maintaining a conducive academic environment,” Erwin added. The entire handling of this case is carried out in accordance with Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation Number 55 of 2024 and Rector of Universitas Indonesia Regulation Number 37 of 2025 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Universitas Indonesia Environment. “UI emphasises that this temporary deactivation is not a final sanction but part of the administrative process for the examination. The university continues to uphold the presumption of innocence, justice, and the protection of every individual’s rights,” Erwin stated. In its implementation, UI ensures a victim-centered approach, providing ongoing psychological support, legal assistance, and academic support. The confidentiality of all parties’ identities is strictly maintained throughout the process. Previously, the alleged harassment case stemmed from the circulation of a screenshot of a group chat containing lewd conversations purportedly from FH UI students, in which they referenced other female students. According to the Instagram account of the Faculty of Law UI (@fakultashukumui), the faculty has received reports regarding the group chat and strongly condemns the actions.