UI Suspends Status of 16 Law Faculty Students Suspected of Sexual Harassment in Group Chat

Universitas Indonesia (UI) has suspended the status of 16 students from the Faculty of Law (FH) suspected of involvement in alleged sexual harassment through a group chat. This decision was taken to ensure the examination process runs optimally and transparently.

“Based on the Internal Memo Letter for the Plan of Follow-Up Examination (RTLP) from the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence (Satgas PPK) at UI, dated 15 April 2026, the Task Force has officially recommended the temporary suspension of student status for the 16 reported students,” said UI’s Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs, Erwin Agustian Panigoro, in his statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).

Erwin stated that the temporary academic deactivation for the 16 students applies from 15 April to 30 May 2026. This policy is described as a preventive administrative measure taken by the campus.

“During the deactivation period, the suspects are not permitted to participate in all educational activities and teaching and learning processes, including lectures, academic guidance, or other activities related to academic pursuits,” Erwin said.

“In addition, they are also not allowed to be on campus premises, except for examination purposes by the Satgas PPK or urgent matters that cannot be postponed, under university supervision,” he added.

Universitas Indonesia has also imposed restrictions on the suspects’ involvement in student organisation activities. Intensive supervision is conducted to prevent direct or indirect interactions with victims or witnesses.

“This step is taken as part of the university’s commitment to ensuring the examination process runs objectively, protecting all involved parties, and maintaining a conducive academic environment,” he said.

Universitas Indonesia (UI) is known to have investigated the case of alleged verbal sexual harassment involving dozens of students in the Faculty of Law environment. The campus side emphasises that verbal sexual violence constitutes a serious violation.

“UI asserts that every form of sexual violence, including verbal forms occurring in digital or offline interactions, constitutes a serious violation of the university’s core values, the academic community’s code of ethics, and applicable legal regulations,” said Director of Public Relations, Media, Government, and International Affairs Erwin Agustian Panigoro at the UI Depok campus, as quoted by Antara, Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Erwin conveyed that the investigation process is currently underway through UI’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS) with a victim-centred approach, upholding principles of justice, confidentiality, and caution. He said this process includes verifying reports, summoning parties, gathering evidence, and coordinating with relevant units at the faculty and university levels.