PDIP Demands Strict Action Against 16 Suspects in FHUI Obscene Chat Group: No Compromise

Deputy Chair of PDIP’s Commission VIII in the House of Representatives, Selly Andriany Gantina, has condemned the alleged harassment case involving 16 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (FHUI) in a chat group. Selly stated that the perpetrators, as future legal practitioners, should serve as role models.

“I am dismayed to see this; how can future legal practitioners violate the law? This is proof that the state, through its apparatus, must act in the name of justice,” said Selly Gantina to reporters on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

Selly emphasised that the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly. She noted that they could face up to nine months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of Rp10 million under Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes.

“Law enforcement apparatus (APH) must immediately conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and accountable investigation and prosecution process. The significant number of perpetrators in this case indicates potential patterns or systems that must be thoroughly uncovered,” she said.

“The campus must ensure support for victims, provide safe reporting access, and fully coordinate with law enforcement. Protecting reputation must not sacrifice justice,” she added.

Furthermore, she called on the state to ensure effective implementation of the TPKS Law in digital spaces. This, she said, includes strengthening digital literacy to oversight of technology misuse.

“This includes comprehensive protection for victims, including psychological recovery and guarantees of identity confidentiality. There must be no re-victimisation, either in legal processes or social spaces,” she stated.

“I emphasise that there is no compromise against perpetrators of sexual violence, in any form or space. The law must be enforced to the maximum, and justice for victims must be the top priority,” she added.

16 Perpetrators Gathered

Chair 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 intended 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 attended. He noted that the victims were disappointed and annoyed by 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 annoyance envelop those who became victims,” he said.

UI Prepares Sanctions

UI is investigating this case. The campus side affirmed that verbal sexual violence constitutes 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, academic community code of ethics, and applicable legal provisions,” said Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, at the UI Depok campus, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (14/4).

Erwin stated 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 including internal tracing and summoning suspected students. The FHUI Student Representative Council has imposed organisational sanctions by revoking active membership status for several students, as stated in Decree No. 007/SK/BPMFHUI/IV/2026.