UGM Engineering Faculty Suspends 10 Students Involved in Lewd Chat Group
The Faculty of Engineering (FT) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has taken action by suspending 10 students suspected of participating in lewd chats that harassed female students. The suspension is set to last for 1.5 months before a final sanction is issued by the UGM Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (PPKS), and could be extended if the investigation remains ongoing.
“Before the final sanction is decided by the UGM PPKS Task Force, over the next 1.5 months, this suspension could be extended if necessary, for instance, if the PPKS has not completed its investigation,” explained the Dean of FT UGM, Prof. Ir. Selo, via a short message on Tuesday (29/9/2026).
Selo emphasised that the suspected students have been suspended from all academic activities effective immediately. “This morning, the faculty planned to temporarily suspend all suspected students (documents are being prepared). The suspension documents for the 10 suspected students will be signed immediately,” he stated.
Selo mentioned that he met with the 10 suspected students yesterday. He noted that investigations are ongoing, with the possibility that other students may be involved. “I have met directly with the suspected students. There were 10 people yesterday, and we are continuing to investigate other students who may be involved. All of them are from the 2024 cohort,” he explained.
Previously, screenshots of a student group chat from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DTETI) at the Faculty of Engineering, UGM, went viral on social media. The circulating screenshots revealed conversations involving sexual harassment against female students.
“Threads users, it is sad because the viral case of sexual harassment at FH UI changed nothing… using women as sexual objects, how could they harass women so easily? It is happening again at UGM with different individuals. Please help boost this!!” wrote the Threads account @hmart_lw, as reported on Monday (28/9).
The uploaded screenshots showed conversations between several students containing sensitive words that degraded the female body. The post has since been deleted.
Meanwhile, the FT UGM and DTETI UGM sides have issued a formal statement via their official Instagram accounts. The statement reads:
“STATEMENT OF POSITION FROM THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, GADJAH MADA UNIVERSITY (FT UGM). Regarding the occurrence of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) involving students, FT UGM declares the following:
FT UGM deeply regrets and strongly condemns the occurrence of online gender-based violence within the academic community. Such actions contradict the moral values, ethics, and integrity held by educated individuals.
FT UGM is fully committed to standing with the victims, ensuring the availability of assistance, protection, and a sense of security for victims throughout the resolution process.
FT UGM is actively monitoring and encouraging the handling of this case to ensure it is resolved fairly, objectively, transparently, and accountably, in accordance with the regulations and disciplinary mechanisms applicable at UGM. Sanctions will be imposed on perpetrators fairly.”
When asked for confirmation, the Chair of the UGM Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (PPKS), Prof. Dra. Raden Ajeng Yayi Suryo Prabandari, stated that the university is currently in the process of investigating the alleged sexual harassment case. “Thank you for contacting me. The case is being processed by the task force in conjunction with the university,” Yayi told reporters on Monday (22/9).
Separately, UGM spokesperson Dr. I Made Andi Arsana expressed similar sentiments. He stated that the university is conducting an investigation and will provide further statements. “UGM is taking careful and cautious steps to investigate this OGBV case. The Faculty of Engineering has issued a statement of position. Coordination with relevant parties is being maintained well to ensure appropriate actions are taken. We will provide updates at the earliest opportunity,” said Made.