UMY Suspends Lecturer Suspected of Sexual Harassment

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) has suspended a lecturer suspected of committing sexual harassment against female students. The allegations went viral on social media recently, triggered by a post on Threads showing screenshots of WhatsApp conversations allegedly between the lecturer from the Pharmacy Programme of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) and several students. The post highlighted messages containing verbal harassment directed at the alleged victims, prompting a wave of responses including claims from other internet users who said they had experienced similar treatment from the same individual. In response, UMY issued an official written statement signed by Rector Achmad Nurmandi on 11 July 2026, outlining six points. The statement confirmed that the Pharmacy Programme and FKIK took action on Saturday (11/7) by launching an investigation together with the university’s PPKPT Task Force to trace, examine, and identify the parties involved or those with knowledge of the incident. The team is also examining the possibility of other related or similar cases that may not have been reported, to ensure no information or issues are overlooked. Based on the initial findings and recommendations from the Pharmacy Programme, FKIK, and the PPKPT Task Force, the university has temporarily suspended the lecturer from all academic and non-academic duties. This suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is complete and a further decision is issued in accordance with applicable regulations. UMY expressed deep concern over the alleged case and stated it will provide support, protection, and psychological assistance to the victims and those who have come forward with information. The university also guaranteed a safe reporting channel and the protection of whistle-blowers’ identities. In its statement, UMY stressed that university leadership views the matter with the utmost seriousness and is committed to maintaining a safe, dignified campus environment free from all forms of violence. The investigation is being conducted thoroughly with the PPKPT Task Force to ensure the process is based on complete, accurate, objective, and factual information. UMY affirmed it has zero tolerance for any form of harassment, violence, intimidation, or other actions that threaten the safety, comfort, and dignity of the academic community. The university also requested the public to allow the investigation to proceed objectively and to refrain from spreading unverified identities or information to protect the rights and privacy of all parties involved.