DPR Speaker: There must be no sexual violence anywhere

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the People’s Representative Council (DPR) RI Puan Maharani has emphasised that there must be no sexual violence anywhere, including in higher education environments.

This statement was made by Puan in response to the alleged verbal sexual harassment case by 16 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (FH UI).

“There must be no sexual violence anywhere. We of course reject sexual violence anywhere and it must be tried fairly,” said Puan when met at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday.

Puan stated that the world of higher education should provide comprehensive education, while guaranteeing and protecting the entire academic community.

The DPR Speaker warned that cases like the one at FH UI must not happen again.

Meanwhile, in response to the emergence of alleged sexual harassment cases at other campuses, Puan emphasised the need for a thorough evaluation.

“It must be evaluated, then everyone must speak out, must be brave to speak about this, and there must be no sexual violence anywhere,” she said.

Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs Erwin Agustian Panigoro at the UI Campus in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday (14/4), said that the handling is currently underway through a task force (satgas).

On Wednesday (15/4), UI deactivated 16 suspected students involved in the sexual harassment for the period from 15 April to 30 May 2026. This policy is based on the recommendation of the UI Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence (Satgas PPK).

“This step is taken as part of the university’s commitment to ensure that the examination process runs objectively, protects all parties involved, and maintains a conducive academic environment,” Erwin said in his statement.

Meanwhile, UI Rector Heri Hermansyah emphasised that the deactivation of the dozen students is not a final sanction, but rather part of the administrative process for further examination.

“The university continues to uphold the principles of presumption of innocence, justice, and protection of every individual’s rights,” said Heri in Depok on Thursday.

He also stated that they are using a victim-oriented approach by providing psychological counselling, legal assistance, and ongoing academic support.