UNDIP Student Beaten by Dozens of Peers and Seniors to the Point of Concussion, Police Escalate Case to Investigation

Semarang, VIVA – The Criminal Investigation Unit of Semarang City Police has officially raised the status of a suspected assault case involving a Diponegoro University (UNDIP) student named Arnendo (20) to the investigation stage. The victim is believed to have been subjected to a mass beating by around 20 to 30 fellow students of his cohort up to seniors. The incident occurred at a boarding house in the Tembalang area, Semarang City, on 15 November 2025. The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Polrestabes Semarang, AKBP Andika Dharma Sena, emphasised that although rumours about alleged sexual harassment by the victim have circulated, taking the law into one’s own hands cannot be legally justified. ‘This case will be processed firmly in accordance with applicable rules,’ he said, quoted on Friday, 6 March 2026. He explained that investigators have questioned at least six witnesses from the victim’s side, family, and eyewitnesses at the scene. From initial investigations, it is suspected that around 20 to 30 people were involved in the mass assault. Police are currently examining each individual’s role to determine who will be named as a suspect. The incident began when the victim was invited to come to a boarding house in the Tembalang area by one of his friends. However, upon arriving, Arnendo was interrogated about the allegations of sexual harassment against a female student. The situation then escalated into a mass beating of the victim. A day after the incident, Arnendo reported it to Polrestabes Semarang, attaching the results of a medical examination as initial evidence of the alleged assault he suffered. Regarding rumours about an internal settlement by the university, Andika ensured legal processes still proceed. ‘There was indeed a letter from the university regarding an internal settlement. But because this has entered the investigation process, legal handling will continue in accordance with the provisions,’ he said. In addition, the police responded to information circulating about alleged sexual harassment reportedly involving the victim. According to Andika, anyone who feels harmed is invited to file an official report with the police so that it can be processed legally. ‘As of now, we are still seeing whether there are any reports. Obviously if there is harassment, it can be reported to the police,’ he said.