IPB Investigates Alleged Sexual Harassment in Student Group Chat, Here Are the Results
Bogor Agricultural Institute or IPB University has delved into allegations of a sexual harassment case involving its students. IPB has expressed deep concern over the alleged violation of the student code of ethics involving several students within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT).
IPB University’s Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing, Alfian Helmi, stated that any form of action that degrades dignity, including gender-based harassment, whether online or offline, cannot be tolerated. Based on initial investigations, the incident occurred in 2024 in a student group. The conversation content in the group included inappropriate comments about a female student.
“The victim was aware of the group’s existence and has attempted to resolve the issue through mediation facilitated by a senior student,” Alfian said on Thursday (16/4/2026).
Alfian noted that IPB understands the previous mediation process did not fully satisfy the victim’s sense of justice. Subsequently, the victim officially reported the incident to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT) at IPB University on 15 April 2026.
“IPB University is committed to ensuring the handling process is more comprehensive, just, and oriented towards victim recovery,” he revealed.
As a form of responsibility, the campus authorities have affirmed several commitments, including:
Prioritising the victim’s safety and recovery, including psychological and academic support;
Taking firm action against any violations of the student code of ethics in accordance with applicable provisions;
Ensuring an objective, transparent, and accountable handling process;
Preventing all forms of intimidation, pressure, or stigma against the victim or reporter;
Strengthening education and a campus culture that respects equality and the dignity of every individual.
Since the first report was received yesterday, IPB has taken handling steps, starting with fact-finding and summoning relevant parties, securing relevant evidence, and activating the ethical violation handling mechanism at the faculty and institutional levels.
“IPB University invites all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ongoing handling process so that this case can be resolved properly. IPB University also invites the entire campus community to jointly maintain a safe, inclusive, and mutually respectful academic environment. The campus is a learning space that must be free from all forms of violence and discrimination,” he stated.
Previously, social media was abuzz with screenshots of a group chat allegedly belonging to Mechanical Engineering and Biosystems students at Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB). The conversation content in the group veered towards sexual harassment. The campus authorities immediately conducted an investigation into the allegations.
The posting of these message conversations went viral as seen by detikcom on Wednesday (15/4) on social media platform X. Several students included sensitive words degrading women’s body parts in the conversation.
IPB’s Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing, Alfian Helmi, stated that the campus condemns behaviour that degrades a person’s dignity and honour. He said IPB is delving into the sexual harassment case that has become a topic of public discussion.
“Regarding the report of an alleged sexual harassment case among students that has been discussed on social media, IPB University condemns all forms of behaviour that degrade human dignity and honour. Currently, IPB University is taking steps to handle the alleged sexual harassment case in question,” Alfian told reporters on Wednesday (15/4).