Higher Education Minister: Resolution of Harassment Cases Must Not Stop at Mediation
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto stated that his office is monitoring the resolution of sexual harassment cases occurring at several universities. He emphasised that the resolution of harassment cases must not stop at the mediation process or mere apologies.
“We also want to emphasise that the resolution of cases must not stop at mediation or mere apologies, especially if there are elements of violence or sexual harassment,” Brian said when contacted by detikcom on Sunday (19/4/2026).
“Every report must be processed according to the rules, with a principle of siding with the victim, but still upholding fair and objective examination,” he continued.
Brian stated that universities must be bold in thoroughly investigating and transparent in handling sexual harassment cases within their educational environments. Brian requested that the handling of harassment cases on campus not wait until they go viral.
“We invite all higher education leaders not to wait for cases to become viral before taking action. Prevention must become a campus culture,” Brian stressed.
According to Brian, students, lecturers, educational staff, student organisations, and the entire academic community must share the awareness that there is no room for sexual violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or any actions that degrade human dignity in higher education.
“Mendiktisaintek will continue to monitor these cases and ensure that campuses fulfil their obligations. Campuses must be safe places for everyone,” he said.
Brian also discussed the root causes of the ongoing prevalence of harassment cases in campus environments. He said the issue consists of many factors, from permissive cultures towards jokes or behaviours that degrade others’ dignity to power relations between lecturers and students or senior and junior students.
He stated that Mendiktisaintek will continue to strengthen evaluations of the implementation of prevention and handling of violence in higher education. Brian guaranteed that his office will push for the strengthening of the PPKPT Task Force in every campus.
“Ensuring that reporting channels operate safely and reliably, and requesting higher education institutions to conduct more serious education on social ethics, power relations, consent, digital space safety, and victim protection. In fact, we view that firm actions without tolerance will build conditions that support the prevention of various violent acts,” Brian explained.
As is known, this month there have been four sexual harassment cases on campuses that have emerged in the public eye. Two cases involve obscene group chats at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia, and Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB).
The other two cases involve sexual harassment by a professor at Universitas Padjajaran against a foreign female student, and sexual harassment by a lecturer at Universitas Budi Luhur against a female student.
Brian said that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has coordinated with the rectors of the relevant universities. He encouraged campuses to resolve harassment cases in their environments quickly and transparently.
“Regarding the mentioned cases, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has coordinated with the relevant university rectors. We encourage every campus to handle reports quickly, transparently, objectively, and to ensure protection and support for victims,” Brian concluded.