DPR on UI Law Faculty Lewd Chat Case: Aspiring Practitioners, Yet Ignorant of the Law
Members of Commission VIII of the DPR, Selly Andriany Gantina, has voiced her concern regarding the alleged lewd chat case that has implicated 16 students at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (FH UI).
According to Selly, the perpetrators, who are aspiring legal practitioners, should serve as examples of adherence to the law and respect for women.
“I am saddened to see this; how can aspiring legal practitioners violate the law? This proves that the state, through its apparatus, acts in the name of justice,” said Selly in her statement on Tuesday (15/4).
The PDIP politician stated that the alleged perpetrators have violated Articles 4 and 5 of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS) and face a maximum prison sentence of 9 months and/or a fine of Rp10 million.
She urged law enforcement authorities to promptly conduct a transparent and accountable investigation. According to Selly, the number of perpetrators in this case indicates a pattern that must be thoroughly investigated.
“The not insignificant number of perpetrators in this case shows the potential for a pattern or system that must be fully uncovered,” she said.
According to Selly, the authorities must ensure the implementation of the TPKS Law operates in digital spaces, as it is part of literacy and oversight against the misuse of technology.
She views this case as a stark warning that sexual violence knows no spatial boundaries. When even academic and digital spaces are no longer safe, the state and all institutions must respond more firmly.
“I emphasise that there is no compromise for perpetrators of sexual violence, in any form or in any space. The law must be enforced to the maximum, and justice for victims must be the top priority,” said Selly.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Habiburokhman, praised the swift response of the UI academic community in addressing the case by holding an audience or general hearing (RDPU) in DPR terms.
This allows students, including victims, to speak directly with the alleged perpetrators in the case.
“The phenomenon of individuals committing violations can occur anywhere, but the response from the UI Student Executive Board (BEM) and the FH UI Student Association (IKM) is very good because their ‘RDPU’ prioritises speed, openness, and firmness,” said Habib.
UI is still investigating the alleged sexual harassment case in the students’ group chat. The investigation involves UI’s Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence (Satgas PPK), the faculty, and related units at the university level.
UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, in his statement, said that the handling process has been proceeding within formal corridors since the victim submitted a direct report to the Satgas PPK accompanied by supporting evidence.
“All of them are currently undergoing examination processes in accordance with the applicable mechanisms, while upholding the presumption of innocence, justice, and protection of the rights of all parties,” said Erwin.