BPM FHUI Strips Membership Status of Students Involved in Obscene Chat Group

The Student Representative Council (BPM) of the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia has imposed an organisational sanction by revoking the active membership status of several students suspected of sexual harassment within a group. UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, stated that this step is part of the initial response at the student organisation level. “The Student Representative Council of the Faculty of Law UI has imposed an organisational sanction by revoking the active membership status of several students, as stated in Decree Number 007/SK/BPMFHUI/IV/2026,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday (14/4). Erwin explained that UI’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPKS) is also investigating the alleged sexual harassment. Erwin noted that every form of sexual violence, including verbal forms occurring in digital or in-person interactions, constitutes a serious violation of the university’s core values, the academic community’s code of ethics, and applicable legal regulations. “Currently, the handling process is underway through UI’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPKS) with a victim-centered approach, upholding principles of justice, confidentiality, and caution,” he stated. Erwin described the process as including verification of reports, summoning parties involved, evidence collection, and coordination with relevant units at the faculty and university levels. In line with this, Erwin said, FHUI has taken initial steps such as internal investigations and summoning the suspected students. “If violations are proven during the investigation, the university will impose sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions—including academic sanctions up to dismissal as a student—and will not rule out further coordination with law enforcement authorities if criminal elements are found,” he said. Erwin assured that UI ensures all handling is conducted professionally, independently, and free from interference or conflicts of interest. UI provides comprehensive support for affected parties, covering psychological, legal, and academic aspects to ensure thorough recovery and full protection of the victim’s identity confidentiality. During this handling process, he continued, UI invites all parties to act wisely by not disseminating unverified information and to respect the ongoing process to maintain its integrity and protect all involved parties. Furthermore, Erwin emphasised UI’s commitment to strengthening the prevention and handling of sexual violence through stricter policies, continuous education, and a responsive, victim-centered system to ensure a safe and just campus environment. “Updates on this case’s handling will be provided periodically and transparently in line with the process, while maintaining confidentiality and protection for all involved parties,” he said. This alleged harassment case originated from the circulation of screenshots of an obscene chat group purportedly involving FHUI students, where they made derogatory remarks about other female students. From the Instagram account of the Faculty of Law UI (@fakultashukumui), it is stated that the faculty has received reports regarding the chat group. The faculty strongly condemns such actions. “The faculty strongly condemns all forms of behaviour that degrade human dignity and contradict legal and academic ethical values,” the statement from the Faculty of Law UI read. UI Rector Heri Hermansyah has reaffirmed his commitment to combating every case of harassment up to sexual violence on campus.