LPSK to Protect Victims of Alleged Sexual Violence at UI
The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) will provide protection to victims of alleged sexual violence within the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia. LPSK Deputy Chair Susilaningtias stated that this proactive step by LPSK is based on Article 29 paragraph (2) of the Witness and Victim Protection Law. Thus, LPSK can protect victims without waiting for requests from them.
Susilaningtias said the LPSK team conducted outreach on 15–16 April 2026. They reviewed and delved into information, meeting various parties at the UI Faculty of Law, including the Dean of the UI Faculty of Law, the UI Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPKS), student representatives, and the victims’ legal counsel.
“Up to now, around 20 victims have authorised lawyers,” said Susilaningtias on Wednesday, 17 April 2026. “In the deepening process, LPSK found concerns among the victims, including potential pressure, threats, and risks of identity exposure due to the spread of information in digital spaces.”
Additionally, Susilaningtias said there are concerns about counter-reporting against victims using other legal provisions. This situation is seen as potentially affecting the victims’ courage to continue the case.
Susilaningtias emphasised that LPSK is present to strengthen victims and witnesses so they dare to reveal this case, ensuring victims receive their rights fairly in accordance with legal provisions.
“LPSK is ready to provide protection and assistance to victims in digital-based sexual violence cases. We ensure that victims feel safe, including in facing potential pressure, threats, or concerns over identity exposure,” she stated.
She explained that LPSK is authorised to provide protection to victims without waiting for official requests, as long as there is an urgent need and their consent. In the context of this case, LPSK is ready to provide direct explanations to the victims regarding the forms of protection that can be given, from security guarantees, psychological recovery, legal process accompaniment, to fulfilment of procedural rights.
“We see vulnerabilities that need to be addressed from the start. Therefore, LPSK takes a proactive approach to ensure victims understand their rights and have access to protection,” said Susilaningtias.
According to her, in many sexual violence cases, barriers are not only in terms of proof but also in the courage of witnesses or victims to report. Factors such as social pressure, power relations, and concerns about legal consequences often become primary considerations.
“Protection is important so that victims do not face additional risks when considering or undergoing the legal process,” she said.
The alleged sexual violence case at the UI Faculty of Law came to light after the @sampahfhui account on social media platform X posted excerpts from a WhatsApp group conversation on Saturday, 11 April 2026. The group, created in 2024, consisted of several UI Faculty of Law students. It contained sexually toned conversations discussing other students.
The alleged perpetrators are initialled MKA, MNA, RBS, KEP, MVR, NZF, MRARP, DSW, MT, AHFG, SPBP, IK, RM, PDP, MDP, and RFR. Meanwhile, the victims so far number 20 female students and seven lecturers.
Currently, UI has frozen the status of those 16 students. UI Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations Erwin Agustian Panigoro said the sanction was given based on recommendations from the UI Satgas PPKS.
“This recommendation is part of the follow-up steps to ensure the examination process runs optimally, objectively, and fairly,” said Erwin in a written statement on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
During the deactivation period, the alleged perpetrators are not permitted to participate in all educational activities and teaching and learning processes, including lectures, academic guidance, or other activities related to academic activities. Previously, UI had also held examinations of the alleged perpetrators.