UI Law Faculty Sexual Harassment Chat Scandal: Perpetrators Said to Lack Empathy and Self-Control

A psychology expert from the University of Indonesia, Prof Rose Mini Agoes Salim, has responded to allegations of digital sexual harassment involving 16 students from the Faculty of Law UI. According to her, the root of such behaviour lies in weak moral stimulation.

She stated that morals serve as the foundation for humans to distinguish between good and bad, while also determining attitudes and thought patterns. Individuals with morals would not make sexist statements, even in private spaces like group chats.

“When morals are not stimulated properly, individuals do not understand the impact of their behaviour, including when harassing others. They also would not engage in practices like locker room chat,” said Prof Rose when contacted by Republika on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Prof Rose revealed three underdeveloped moral aspects in the perpetrators of sexual harassment. The first is empathy, which is the ability to understand others’ feelings, thoughts, and desires. Without empathy, a person does not realise that discussions about bodies or sexist remarks can cause discomfort and significant impact.

“If they had empathy, they would think, would the victim feel comfortable being treated like this or even disturbed?” said Prof Rose.

The second aspect is self-control. According to her, individuals who cannot control their impulses tend to easily go along with conversations, including in casual settings or group chats.

The third is the inadequate stimulation of conscience, which encompasses values such as goodness, justice, respect, and tolerance. The absence of these values makes individuals not consider the negative impacts of their words.

“When someone lacks these three main moral aspects, they will dare to harass others, to harass women,” said Prof Rose.