Doctor at Riau University Clinic Allegedly Molested Patients Since 2023

A male doctor working at Riau University’s Sehati 1 Primary Clinic is suspected of committing sexual harassment against at least 30 female student patients. The Head of the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education at Riau University, Separen, stated that the alleged perpetrator has been carrying out these actions for the past three years.

“Several victims who have reported say the harassment occurred since 2023,” he said when contacted on Thursday, 30 April 2026.

He said the victims of sexual harassment only dared to share their testimonies this year. Separen noted that the victims have experienced trauma following the incidents.

Riau University’s Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education has provided psychological support to dozens of victims of the doctor’s harassment. Several victims have also been questioned by the task force.

Separen said the examination of several victims has revealed the modus operandi of the alleged perpetrator. He confirmed that all the alleged acts of sexual harassment occurred during health examinations of female student patients.

“The patient was asked to unbutton her shirt, even though the complaint was a sore throat. There were also actions touching sensitive areas,” he said.

Separen explained that the examination process of the victims’ statements regarding the harassment is still ongoing. Next week, Riau University’s Task Force will re-examine the victims along with medical profession ethics experts before summoning the alleged perpetrator.

“We will assess whether the actions (modus) align with medical procedures or not, based on the victims’ reports,” he stated.

Riau University has responded to the allegations of sexual harassment by the doctor at the campus clinic. The Head of the Bureau of Planning, Cooperation, and Public Relations at Riau University, Armia, said the alleged perpetrator has been temporarily suspended from clinic duties on 27 April 2026.

“This step is solely for the purpose of following up on the report, examination and deepening of the report, as well as preparing conclusions and recommendations by the campus task force,” he said in his statement on Thursday, 30 April 2026.

He said the examination process is being conducted carefully, objectively, professionally, and fairly towards the victims, while upholding the presumption of innocence for all parties. Armia noted that the victims are also guaranteed a safe space, as well as appropriate protection and support.

“If the reported party is proven to have committed a violation, we will follow up the process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” said Armia.