Six Unesa Students Suspended Over Sexual Harassment in WhatsApp Group
Surabaya State University (Unesa) has imposed academic suspension sanctions of up to three semesters on six Vocational Faculty students who were proven to have committed verbal sexual violence in the form of objectification in a WhatsApp (WA) conversation group.
The decision to impose the sanctions was officially taken by the rectorate after receiving a recommendation from the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence (Satgas PPK) under the Directorate of Prevention and Management of Strategic Issues (DPPIS) at Unesa.
Based on the results of the examination and assessment of each reported individual’s level of involvement in the conversation group, the sanctions imposed varied. One student was given a suspension sanction of 3 semesters, two students were given suspension sanctions of 2 semesters, and three students were given suspension sanctions of 1 semester.
“Six reported students have officially been given academic sanctions tending towards severe, in the form of suspension with varying durations according to each individual’s level of involvement in the group conversation. There is one student sanctioned for three semesters, two students sanctioned for two semesters, and three students sanctioned for one semester,” said Unesa Vice Rector Martadi in his statement on Thursday (13/8).
Martadi said that the determination of the sanctions was made by upholding the principles of justice, proportionality, and a thorough evaluation from various aspects.
“In determining these sanctions, Unesa ensures that the decision is based on the principles of justice and proportionality. The assessment process was carried out comprehensively through four main aspects, namely the protection and interests of the victim, juridical aspects, sociological aspects, and psychological aspects,” he said.
In addition to the academic suspension sanctions, Martadi said, Unesa also cancelled and revoked the Student Creativity Programme (PKM) funding belonging to one of the reported individuals as a consequence of the ethical violation.
To provide moral guidance, Martadi said, the suspects are required to participate in a discipline and rehabilitation programme. This programme includes mandatory counselling, spiritual development, and assignments from the Satgas PPK.
“The guidance programme aims to help the reported individuals understand the impact of their actions, improve their behaviour, and rebuild understanding regarding communication ethics, respect for fellow members of the academic community, and the values of campus life with integrity,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the handling of victims, Martadi said Unesa is providing ongoing assistance. For victims who are students, the assistance covers academic aspects to ensure the continuity of their studies.
As a preventive measure going forward, Unesa continues to intensify mitigation by strengthening literacy on violence prevention, education on communication ethics in digital spaces, and regular monitoring.
“This entire series of handling affirms Unesa’s commitment that the resolution of violence cases does not stop at the imposition of sanctions, but rather is part of efforts to build an academic culture that is safe, has integrity, and is free from violence, both in offline and digital spaces,” he said.
Previously, a case of alleged sexual harassment using the mode of conversation in a WhatsApp group chat occurred again in the education sector. This was revealed at Surabaya State University (Unesa), East Java. At least 26 students and lecturers became victims.
There are six reported individuals in this case, namely RY, HA, AD, RE, JO and DO. They initially created a group chat on the WhatsApp platform to discuss competition activities. However, the channel was later used for unethical conversations that led to alleged sexual harassment.
The forms of harassment that occurred in the group were said to include verbal harassment, objectification of a fantasy nature, and the creation of unethical content using artificial intelligence or AI.