Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Condemns Harassment in UI Law Faculty Student Chat Group: Violates Human Rights
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, has condemned the alleged case of sexual harassment in a chat group involving 16 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (FH UI). Arifah emphasised that all forms of sexual harassment violate human rights.
“We strongly condemn all forms of harassment against women, including those carried out through digital conversation groups. Such actions not only demean women’s dignity but also create unsafe environments, particularly in academic spaces,” Arifah stated in her remarks on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
Arifah said her office is committed to overseeing the handling of the case to ensure victims receive protection, support, and justice in accordance with regulations.
“Every form of sexual harassment, including that conducted through closed conversations in digital spaces, constitutes a violation of human rights and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” she added.
The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) appreciates the swift action taken by the campus through the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPT). However, Arifah stressed that the handling process must be transparent and victim-oriented.
“We urge the University of Indonesia to conduct a thorough investigation and handling through the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPT), including imposing firm sanctions on those proven to be involved,” she said.
The handling of this case, she continued, must refer to Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS). Additionally, she said it must ensure victims receive psychological and legal support, as well as protection from stigma and intimidation.
She emphasised the importance of educational environments having effective mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual violence. This includes monitoring interactions in digital spaces and strengthening gender equality education.
“Addressing violence against women must be carried out comprehensively and sustainably through cross-sectoral synergy, involving central and regional governments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and society, to create safe and violence-free spaces,” she stated.
“We urge the public not to normalise harassing jokes to prevent the occurrence of more serious violence,” she added.
16 Perpetrators Apologise
The Chairman of the FH UI Student Executive Board, Anandaku Dimas Rumi Chattaristo, said the perpetrators were gathered in a forum held at the DH UI Auditorium. The forum was organised to accommodate victims who wished to receive direct apologies from the perpetrators.
“Last night, a forum was indeed held at the DH UI Auditorium to accommodate victims who wanted to receive direct apologies from the perpetrators,” Dimas told reporters on Tuesday (14/4).
Dimas said 16 perpetrators were present. He noted that the victims were disappointed and angry about the alleged harassment in the group.
“There were sixteen perpetrators present last night. Regarding the victims’ response, I cannot represent all their feelings and I respect what they feel, but certainly disappointment and anger must encompass those who became victims,” he said.