Unpad's Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force Steps in Addressing Sexual Violence

A professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), is suspected of committing sexual violence against a student. Ari Jogaiswara Adipurwawidjana, Head of Unpad’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPKS), stated that they will act in accordance with the provisions.

“Our basis for starting an examination or investigation is a report, which can come from someone who knows something has happened or from the person who feels harmed or the suspected victim,” he said when contacted on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Ari stated that the commotion on social media is not considered a form of report to be followed up by Satgas PPKS. So far, they have had informal communication with the suspected victim. “I am bound not to provide information, for example, whether a report has been received or how far the follow-up has progressed, because we must uphold the principle of confidentiality,” he said.

The procedure for Satgas PPKS actions upon receiving a report involves scheduling to request an explanation from the reporter, including what they want or expect. The task force also offers medical or psychological services to make the reporter comfortable.

If the victim mentions several witness names, Satgas PPKS will also ask about the incident. “Finally, we will summon the respondent to provide an explanation of the situation from their side,” he said.

All gathered information materials are then processed by referring to the ministerial regulation, the Sexual Violence Crime Law, and the Rector’s Regulation on Violence in the Campus Environment. “Satgas PPKS will then formulate recommendations to be submitted to the rector, who is authorised to impose sanctions,” Ari said.

According to Ari, since 2022 up to now, Unpad’s Satgas PPKS has received more than 100 reports of alleged sexual violence. From September 2022 to December 2024, there were 64 reports. During that period, the number of Satgas PPKS Unpad members was 9, consisting of 3 lecturers, 1 educational staff member, and 5 students.

In accordance with the provisions, the number of students must be more, at least 50 percent. “The experience of the first two years, when people started to know about Satgas PPKS and reported, we were overwhelmed,” he said.

Therefore, the number of task force members was increased to 13, handling 56 incoming reports from January to December 2025. Regarding the recruitment of Satgas PPKS Unpad members, he said it cannot be too many to minimise the potential for leaks of confidential information.

Not all incoming reports are handled by Satgas PPKS Unpad. Some are directed to the police, psychologists, or local government offices that provide services for the protection of women and children. Additionally, there are reports involving issues with others, but not Unpad’s academic community.

Of the total incoming reports, around 70 involve cases of sexual violence within the campus. The majority, according to Ari, involve students, with only a handful of lecturers.

The lightest or minimal sanction for perpetrators of sexual violence at Unpad is forgiveness by the victim. The heaviest punishment is expulsion from the campus. Other common sanctions include suspension for one semester.