HMT-ITB issues apology for the circulation of the song "Erika"

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Himpunan Mahasiswa Tambang, Institut Teknologi Bandung (HMT-ITB) has issued an apology for the circulation of a song with vulgar lyrics titled “Erika” that has spread among the public via social media.

“We extend our deepest apologies for the circulation of the song that has caused public concern. We fully understand and recognise the sensitivity of this issue and express our sympathy and empathy to the public, particularly women,” HMT-ITB stated in an official release in Jakarta on Wednesday.

HMT-ITB noted that the song was performed at the Orkes Semi Dangdut HMT-ITB (OSD) event, which is one of the activity units within HMT-ITB since the 1970s. The song titled “Erika” was created in the 1980s.

HMT-ITB acknowledged that the content in the performance does not reflect the values that should be upheld in the academic environment and student organisations, and it does not justify any actions that demean the dignity of individuals or groups.

HMT-ITB has also coordinated with relevant parties to promptly take down the video and audio content from HMT-ITB’s official channels, as well as deletions from affiliated individual accounts, including a 2020 video that has circulated in the public.

“We are conducting a comprehensive internal evaluation of the content, implementation, and supervision of activities related to this song and similar songs containing comparable elements, as well as reviewing the standards and guidelines for organisational activities to align with the ethical values prevailing in the ITB campus environment and society,” the official statement read.

It is known that the song titled “Erika” is considered to have vulgar lyrics, containing elements of sexual harassment and objectification of women.

Previously, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) stated its stance against tolerating any form of violence in higher education environments.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Brian Yuliarto, stated that higher education institutions must ensure a safe, inclusive environment free from all forms of violence, whether physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or digital-based.

“Higher education must be a safe, dignified, and integrity-filled space for the entire academic community. Therefore, we emphasise that there must be no tolerance for any form of violence on campus, in whatever form,” he said.