Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Reveals Shift in Campus Sexual Violence Patterns Towards Digital Platforms

JAKARTA — The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has revealed that the patterns of sexual violence within university environments are changing. According to the Minister, technological advancements are significantly influencing these shifts in violence patterns.

“It is true that sexual violence and violence on campus, if I may say, have undergone a change in pattern, likely due to technological developments,” Brian stated during a meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday (2/6/2026). The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology intends to implement measures to anticipate this trend.

“In the past, violence was often direct and physical. Now, violence frequently takes the form of digital harassment. This is what we are attempting to anticipate,” he added.

In addition to sexual violence, Brian also highlighted the issue of bullying. He noted that the Ministry has prohibited certain aspects of orientation programmes (ospek) for new students. “We have consistently issued reminders; for instance, we have regulated that student guidance sessions must not begin earlier than 6:30 am. Previously, students were often required to be on campus by 5:00 am. We have prohibited this,” he explained.

He further noted that while universities may implement bans, senior students sometimes create their own unauthorised rules. Consequently, the Ministry will request that student affairs departments within universities take responsibility for managing and controlling such situations.

During the same session, Brian recorded that his ministry has received 787 complaints regarding both sexual violence and bullying within higher education environments throughout 2026. These complaints were submitted through the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPP). He emphasised that every complaint will be followed up, and if violations are proven, legal sanctions will be applied. “For instances that involve violations but do not fall under the context of sexual violence, the matter will be referred to the university’s ethics committee. In 2026, we have received a total of 787 complaints,” he concluded.