Unpad Suspends Professor Suspected of Sexual Violence
Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) has reacted swiftly to allegations of sexual violence by a professor in the Faculty of Nursing against one of its students. Shortly after the issue emerged on social media, the rectorate suspended the lecturer in question.
The main objective is to allow the investigation team to conduct a thorough examination of the case and gather evidence,” said Head of Unpad’s Public Communication Office, Dandi Supriadi, to Tempo on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
According to Dandi, this temporary suspension means the professor is relieved from all activities under the three pillars of higher education, ensuring the investigation is not impeded by academic duties. “The suspension is not related to the strength or weakness of the allegations of sexual violence,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chair of Unpad’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS), Ari Jogaiswara Adipurwawidjana, said the suspension is a preventive measure to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. “Thus, the suspension is not a punishment but an action to maintain a conducive work and learning environment at Unpad,” he added.
Unpad Rector Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita expressed profound concern over the alleged sexual violence involving one of the campus’s lecturers. According to him, Unpad does not tolerate any form of violence, including sexual violence, in any shape or form within the campus environment.
“As a higher education institution, Unpad is committed to upholding values of integrity, safety, and protection for the entire academic community. Every allegation of violation will be followed up seriously and in accordance with applicable provisions,” said Arief in an official statement on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
In response to the current developments, Unpad has conducted various inquiries. After receiving a complete report, on the same day, Unpad immediately took firm action by temporarily suspending the lecturer from all academic activities.
Furthermore, according to Arief, Unpad has promptly initiated procedures for handling allegations of sexual violence in accordance with prevailing regulations, starting with the formation of an investigation team to conduct an objective and comprehensive inquiry involving Unpad’s Satgas PPKS and faculty senate representatives. “In this regard, Unpad is committed that if the investigation proves a violation in the form of sexual violence, Universitas Padjadjaran will impose sanctions in accordance with the provisions and applicable laws and regulations,” stated the rector.
The Student Executive Body of the Student Family (BEM Kema) Unpad and BEM Kema of the Faculty of Nursing Unpad stated that they have become aware of the report circulating on social media platform X regarding allegations of sexual violence involving a professor with initials IY. “We affirm that no form of sexual violence can be justified under any circumstances, and such actions have no place in the campus environment.” BEM expressed its solidarity with the victim and fully supports all efforts for protection, accompaniment, and recovery for the victim.
BEM urged the entire Unpad academic community to prioritise empathy, maintain collective safety, and create a safe space in the campus environment. They advised against disseminating the victim’s identity or unverified information, and to avoid all forms of victim-blaming and narratives that harm the victim. They also encouraged using the official reporting channels provided by the campus if experiencing or knowing of any sexual violence.