MP: Alleged Sexual Harassment Case at UI Law Faculty is Momentum for Evaluation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III, Abdullah, stated that the alleged verbal sexual harassment case at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (FH UI), presents a momentum for a thorough evaluation of the educational environment.
According to him, the traditions, activities, and patterns of interaction that have developed in the academic environment need to be evaluated. This is because the case reflects that issues of sexual violence in the world of education are still recurring and systemic.
“This is a momentum to conduct a total evaluation. All activities and traditions in the educational environment must be reviewed so as not to become a space for normalising sexual harassment,” said Abdullah in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He emphasised that the educational environment should be a safe space for all learners, especially women. A victim protection approach must certainly be the top priority in handling every case.
“Victims must be protected, not blamed. Improper handling can potentially cause repeated trauma,” said the House of Representatives member in the legal field.
To ensure the objectivity of handling, Abdullah encouraged the involvement of independent institutions, such as the National Commission on Anti-Violence against Women and the National Human Rights Commission, in the evaluation or investigation process of the case.
In addition, he assessed that the low understanding among the academic community of the forms and boundaries of sexual violence is also a triggering factor for the recurrence of cases.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of educating about Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS). Socialisation of the TPKS Law needs to be carried out continuously and integrated into the education system.
He also encouraged the development of a sexual violence prevention curriculum based on consent (agreement) to be applied at all levels of education.
“Education must be carried out systematically, not just reactively when cases arise. This is part of efforts to build a culture of mutual respect in the educational environment,” he said.
Furthermore, Abdullah assessed that collaboration between the government, law enforcement apparatus, and other related institutions is increasingly needed to ensure that prevention efforts run effectively and sustainably.
He stated that Commission III of the House of Representatives will continue to monitor the strengthening of policies for protecting learners so that the world of education becomes a safe, inclusive, and just space.
“Education not only produces intelligent individuals but also shapes character that upholds ethics and the dignity of others,” said Abdullah.
The alleged verbal sexual harassment through a conversation group by 16 FH UI students has become a hot topic on social media. UI views the case seriously and has expressed a firm stance.
“UI emphasises that every form of sexual violence, including verbal ones occurring in digital or offline interactions, is a serious violation of the university’s core values, academic community code of ethics, and applicable legal regulations,” said Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Relations Erwin Agustian Panigoro at the UI Campus in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday (14/3).
He said that the handling is currently underway through the UI Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence with a victim perspective approach, upholding the principles of justice, confidentiality, and prudence.
In line with that process, FH UI has taken initial steps in the form of internal tracing and summoning students suspected of being involved.