UPN Jogja Students Occupy Rectorate, Urge Investigation into Sexual Violence Case

According to detikJogja, hundreds of students gathered in the central area of the rectorate building on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. They occupied floors one to three.

The students carried a number of protest banners, including ‘Reformasi Birokrasi’ and ‘Dimana Ruang an Kami’ (Where is Our Space?). In the lobby area, protesters were seen setting tyres and papers alight.

Muhammad Risyad Hanafi, chair of the Student Executive Board of UPN Veteran Yogyakarta (BEM KM), described the rectorate action as the culmination of students’ anger, particularly given that the allegations of sexual violence have been going on for a long time.

‘Finally we are asking for accountability from the Satgas PPKPT and also from the Rector regarding their commitment to resolving this case as such,’ Risyad said when contacted by reporters on Wednesday, 20 May.

UPN Veteran Yogyakarta Rector, M Irhas Effendi, said he was distressed by the alleged sexual violence taking place on campus. He also pledged to take firm action against the perpetrators.

‘Therefore I am distressed in many respects,’ said Irhas in front of the students.

He said the university was ready to sanction lecturers found to have committed sexual violence.

‘As Rector, I have heard there are many demands towards those who violate sexual violence. I am ready to impose sanctions on lecturers from UPN,’ he asserted.