Komnas Perempuan Urges Legal Processing of FHUI Group Chat Case, Not Just Ethical Violations

The National Commission on Violence Against Women regrets the alleged harassment case involving 16 students from the University of Indonesia Faculty of Law (FHUI) in a group chat. Komnas Perempuan urges that this case be processed in accordance with applicable law, not merely as an ethical violation.

“We appreciate the victim’s courage in speaking out and reporting this case to the task force. We urge that this case be handled fully in accordance with the applicable law, not reduced to just an ethical violation,” said Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Devi Rahayu to reporters on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

Furthermore, Komnas Perempuan emphasised that the perpetrators’ actions fall under the category of Electronic-Based Sexual Violence (KSBE) or Online Gender-Based Violence (KBGO).

“This form of violence is explicitly recognised and prohibited in Law No. 12 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS), both through Article 5 which regulates non-physical sexual harassment and Article 14 which regulates sexual violence through electronic means,” she explained.

She stated that the psychological impact on the victim is real. This cannot be called a joke.

“The psychological impact of this violence is real, measurable, and often long-lasting. Perpetrators cannot hide behind the excuse of ‘just joking’. The digital space is not a law-free zone,” she said.

Komnas Perempuan reminded that the existing code of ethics mechanism at the campus is not a substitute for legal processes. Both can run in parallel.

“Handling that solely relies on internal channels can risk perpetuating impunity and may be imitated, sending a message that sexual violence on campus can be resolved internally,” she continued.

Additionally, she explained that the handling of this case can refer to Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 55 of 2024 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Environments, which requires the task force to follow up on reports comprehensively and does not rule out legal processes.

16 Perpetrators Gathered

FH UI Student Executive Board Chair Anandaku Dimas Rumi Chattaristo said the perpetrators were gathered in a forum held at the DH UI Auditorium. The forum was held to accommodate victims who wish to receive direct apologies from the perpetrators.

“Last night, a forum was indeed held at the DH UI Auditorium to accommodate victims who want to receive direct apologies from the perpetrators,” Dimas said to reporters on Tuesday (14/4).

Dimas said there were 16 perpetrators present. He mentioned that the victims are disappointed and annoyed that the perpetrators carried out the alleged harassment in that group.

“There were sixteen perpetrators present last night. Regarding the victims’ response, I cannot represent all of their feelings and I respect what they feel, but certainly disappointment and annoyance must encompass those who became victims,” he said.

UI Prepares Sanctions

UI is investigating this case. The campus side emphasised that sexual violence in verbal form is a serious violation.

“UI affirms that every form of sexual violence, including verbal forms occurring in digital or offline interactions, is a serious violation of the university’s core values, the academic community’s code of ethics, and applicable legal regulations,” said Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations Erwin Agustian Panigoro at the UI Depok campus, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (14/4).

Erwin conveyed that the investigation process is currently underway through the UI Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS) with a victim-centered approach, upholding principles of justice, confidentiality, and prudence. He said this process includes verifying reports, summoning parties, gathering evidence, and coordinating with related units at the faculty and university levels.

Meanwhile, FHUI has taken initial steps in the form of internal tracing and summoning students suspected of being involved. The FHUI Student Representative Council has imposed organisational sanctions in the form of revocation of active membership status for several students, as stated in Decree No. 007/SK/BPMFHUI/IV/2026.