Harassment at UI Law Faculty, Komnas Perempuan: Digital Space Not Free from Law
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) regrets the alleged electronic-based sexual harassment occurring within the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law environment. This case allegedly involves 16 students as perpetrators, with victims ranging from female students to female lecturers.
Komnas Perempuan asserts that the actions fall under the category of Electronic-Based Sexual Violence (KSBE) or Online Gender-Based Violence (KBGO), which is regulated by Law No. 12 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS).
Commissioner Devi Rahayu from Komnas Perempuan emphasises that the perpetrators cannot hide behind the excuse of joking. “The digital space is not a law-free zone,” she stated in a written release on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
According to Komnas Perempuan, campuses should serve as safe and equitable spaces for the entire academic community, not places that perpetuate violence and gender inequality. The impacts of this violence, they say, are not merely temporary but can leave long-term psychological trauma for victims.
Another commissioner, Sondang Friskha Simanjuntak, describes this case as reflecting a broader trend. Based on the 2025 Annual Report (CATAHU), there were 376,529 cases of gender-based violence against women throughout 2025, with sexual violence being the most dominant form.
Komnas Perempuan also highlights that handling the case cannot be limited to internal campus ethical mechanisms. Legal processes must still be opened as an option for victims.
They remind that handling can refer to Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 55 of 2024 on the prevention and handling of violence in higher education, which mandates comprehensive follow-up by campus task forces.
Komnas Perempuan urges the University of Indonesia to ensure that the case is handled transparently, accountably, and justly, while guaranteeing victim recovery, both psychologically, socially, and academically. “A victim-centred approach must be the primary principle,” said Sondang.
This case, according to Komnas Perempuan, should serve as a momentum for campuses to strengthen their commitment as safe spaces free from gender-based violence.
UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, stated that UI has designated 16 students as suspected perpetrators involved in the harassment incident. He said these 16 students are currently undergoing examination processes, while upholding the presumption of innocence.
Erwin explained that in conducting the investigation, UI’s PPK Task Force operates based on institutional mandates regulated through the Rector’s Decree and University of Indonesia Rector’s Regulation No. 37 of 2025 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the University of Indonesia Environment.
The ongoing handling stages include examining the parties, delving into the chronology, verifying evidence, and compiling recommendations by the PPK Task Force. Subsequently, these recommendations will serve as the basis for university leadership in determining decisions.
“Including the possibility of imposing academic sanctions according to the level of proven violations,” said Erwin in a press release on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.