Commission X Leader Urges Support for Victims of Sexual Harassment at UI Law Faculty

JAKARTA - Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives, MY Esti Wijayanti, has requested support for victims of sexual harassment perpetrated by 16 students at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law (FH UI). The politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) also reminded of the importance of maintaining the victims’ confidentiality in the case. “The handling of the case must proceed fairly. There needs to be support for the victims, including psychological, legal, and academic assistance so that those experiencing trauma can recover quickly,” Esti stated in her remarks on Thursday (16/4/2026). Esti emphasised that the alleged sexual harassment at FH UI is a serious issue impacting the victims. “Do not normalise sexual harassment or violence in any form. Educational environments must have zero tolerance for any acts of sexual violence,” Esti said. Additionally, she encouraged the use of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS) in the sexual harassment case involving the 16 UI Faculty of Law students. “What the perpetrators have done meets the elements of sexual violence under the TPKS Law. The perpetrators themselves are law students who should be more sensitive and aware of the legal consequences,” Esti stated. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto has assured protection for the victims of the sexual harassment involving FH UI students. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) has also coordinated with UI authorities to monitor the case. “I have also coordinated with the Rector, and we are continuously monitoring the progress of this case handling, including ensuring that the affected parties receive the protection and support they deserve,” Brian stated in his remarks on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Brian firmly stated that sexual harassment is a serious violation that degrades human dignity. “The world of higher education or universities anywhere should be safe, dignified, and integrity-filled spaces for the entire academic community,” Brian emphasised. Based on Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation Number 55 of 2024 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Environments, every higher education institution is required to establish a Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Environments (Satgas PPKPT). If a criminal act is found, law enforcement will refer to Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes in accordance with applicable provisions.