ITB's Response to the Erika Song Video Content

The Student Mining Association at Institut Teknologi Bandung has apologised for the circulation of a song titled Erika. The song, performed by the OSD HMT-ITB in the 1980s, has recently spread on social media. The song has come under public scrutiny due to its content that includes elements of harassment against women.

In response to the circulating content that has caused public unease, ITB regards this incident as an important moment to strengthen the campus culture that upholds ethics, respect for human dignity, and the prevention of all forms of violence, including verbal sexual violence,” said ITB’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Neneng Nurlaela Arief, in her statement on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

HMT ITB states that the video content does not reflect the values that should be upheld in the academic environment and student organisations. HMT-ITB also does not condone any actions that demean the dignity of individuals or any groups.

As follow-up actions, HMT-ITB has coordinated with various parties to remove the video and audio content from the organisation’s official channels and affiliated accounts, including old videos that have resurfaced in the public. In addition, ITB is conducting a comprehensive internal evaluation of content, implementation, and supervision of activities.

“At the same time, a review of organisational standards and guidelines to ensure they are increasingly aligned with ethical values in the campus and community environment,” said Nurlaela.

This commitment, according to her, aligns with the guidance efforts already undertaken by ITB, including campaigns on ethics in appearance and student communication ethics through short messages initiated by ITB’s Directorate of Joint Preparation (Ditsama).

This campaign emphasises the importance of polite, respectful, responsible, and mature attitudes among students in their appearance and communication within the academic environment.

This strengthening is then expanded through campaigns on student ethics and social media literacy within the campus. In this campaign, ITB encourages students to understand the prevention of sexual violence, both physical and verbal, as well as to use social media wisely, critically, politely, and responsibly.

“Students are encouraged to maintain their conduct, respect others, check facts before conveying information, and express opinions and criticism constructively without attacking others,” she said.

In efforts to prevent and handle violence, ITB has established the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence (PPK) that covers the entire ITB campus in Ganesha, Jatinangor, Cirebon, and Jakarta. This task force plays a role in strengthening socialisation, prevention, and providing consultation and reporting channels for the campus community.