Komnas Perempuan: Sexist Jokes in Private Groups Are Not Trivial, They Constitute Sexual Violence

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Komnas Perempuan has expressed deep concern over the alleged digital sexual violence perpetrated by 16 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (UI). Deputy Chair of Komnas Perempuan, Dahlia Madanih, considers the actions as a threat to women’s sense of safety as well as a destruction of women’s dignity. “This case is concerning. The alleged actions of the perpetrators constitute a form of destruction of respect for human dignity values, especially for women, as they are suspected to have been carried out with knowledge and awareness of those actions,” Dahlia said when contacted by Republika on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Therefore, Dahlia emphasised that protecting victims must be the top priority. This includes active outreach to ensure victims receive access to recovery services as well as systematic and safe handling. “Sexual violence is an iceberg phenomenon, where many cases go unreported. Therefore, the handling process and accountability of the perpetrators must be carried out in an accountable and just manner for the victims,” Dahlia said. Komnas Perempuan also notes that online gender-based violence (KBGO) continues to increase along with the development of digital technology. According to Dahlia, digital transformation expands the space for control, intimidation, and exploitation of women in the digital realm. In 2025, Komnas Perempuan received 1,091 complaints of sexual violence cases, with 977 of them being online gender-based violence with a sexual nuance. The majority of perpetrators come from the victims’ social media circles. “In the university environment, 29 cases were reported directly to Komnas Perempuan, plus an additional 479 cases based on reports from partner institutions. This data is certainly very alarming,” she said. Komnas Perempuan calls on the public not to commit sexual violence even in private groups. Dahlia stressed that internal sexist jokes, which are often considered trivial, are included in forms of sexual violence.