UI Reports Alleged Defamation over Use of Rector’s Name to Central Java Police
Depok (ANTARA) – Universitas Indonesia (UI) has taken legal action by reporting alleged defamation and/or damage to its reputation after its rector’s name and position were allegedly invoked in a fraud scheme posing as a university admissions service.
Erwin Agustian Panigoro, UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Affairs, said at the UI campus in Depok on Tuesday that the legal action was intended to protect the public from fraud and safeguard the institution’s reputation and the integrity of its admissions process.
“We understand the losses suffered by the victims. UI has officially reported the case to the Central Java Regional Police because we will not allow the institution’s name or its leaders to be used to deceive the public,” Dr Erwin said.
Erwin stressed that admission to UI cannot be bought or arranged by anyone. “Anyone who invokes UI’s name or that of its officials, whether from inside or outside the university, will face legal action,” he said.
UI’s Directorate of Law and Archives submitted the report to the Integrated Police Service Centre at the Central Java Regional Police on Friday (23 October 2026). It was registered as No. LP/B/365/X/2026/SPKT/POLDA JAWA TENGAH.
The report relates to an alleged fraud and/or embezzlement case previously reported by the victim to Semarang City Police on 25 September 2026. The suspect allegedly claimed they could arrange a prospective student’s admission by invoking the name of UI’s leadership.
Erwin said neither the rector nor other UI leaders had the authority to determine the admission of individual applicants. All admissions are conducted through official selection procedures in accordance with applicable rules.
The case illustrates this, he said. According to reports quoting the victim, the victim’s child was not admitted to UI despite the victim having handed over a sum of money to the suspect.
On Friday (16 October 2026), UI’s Directorate of Law and Archives and its Admissions Office had responded to an invitation from Semarang City Police, providing information and supporting data required by investigators handling the victim’s report.
UI expressed concern over the losses suffered by the victim and their family. The university’s report to the Central Java Regional Police does not replace the victim’s report to Semarang City Police.
The two are separate legal proceedings, but concern the same incident. UI said it fully respected the ongoing legal process and would continue to co-operate with law enforcement to help uncover the case.
UI also supports investigators in following up on any other parties who may be found to have been involved as the case develops.
Through its Directorate of Law and Archives, UI will continue to monitor the handling of the report and co-ordinate with law enforcement as required.