IPB Students Involved in Harassment Also Punished with Social and Educational Activities

Rector of Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) Alim Setiawan Slamet stated that the 16 students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT) involved in alleged sexual harassment via an online chat group have not only been given suspension penalties. He mentioned that the 16 students are also required to participate in social activities and educational services to understand issues of sexual violence. “The involved students have been given inactive status for one semester. In addition, they are required to participate in social activities and educational services to enhance understanding, particularly regarding violence issues,” Alim said after a meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Monday (20/4/2026). Furthermore, Alim emphasised that IPB is committed to protecting the victim. Alim stated that the campus has stood with the victim from the start and prioritised an empathy-based approach. “We believe and we do not ask the victim to prove it. The campus works hard based on facts,” he said. Alim stated that IPB only has authority in the administrative realm according to applicable regulations. Nevertheless, IPB ensures accompaniment for the victim, including psychological recovery support. He also expressed empathy to the victim and their family, while emphasising that all forms of sexual violence cannot be tolerated in the campus environment or in society at large. Based on the examination results of the team, there are 16 students identified as involved in violations of campus life rules and sexual harassment against a female student. “This incident occurred in 2024 and was officially reported to the institution on 14 April 2026,” said Dean of FTT IPB University, Slamet Budijanto, in his statement on Monday (20/4/2026). After the report, a team from the faculty along with the Campus Security, Safety, and Protection Management Office (KMKKPK) summoned the reporter on 15 April 2026. “Based on the examination process and available evidence, the FTT then imposed sanctions in the form of a one-semester suspension on the 16 students proven to be involved, imposed on 17 April 2026,” he stressed. The sanctions are not only as a form of rule enforcement but also as an effort to provide deterrence and strong ethical learning for the entire academic community.