UPN Veteran Yogyakarta Task Force Investigates Over a Dozen Sexual Violence Victims, Mostly Female Undergraduates

SLEMAN - The UPN Veteran Yogyakarta Prevention and Handling of Violence Task Force (PPK) has revealed preliminary findings in the handling of sexual violence allegations involving seven lecturers. Six of the suspects are internal faculty members, while one is a visiting lecturer from another university.

Task Force Chair Iva Rachmawati stated that 13 victims, 12 witnesses, and five lecturers suspected of perpetration have been interviewed. However, all BAP reports have not yet been fully compiled.

“So far, the BAPs we’ve conducted show that the abuse has been ongoing for some time, not just in 2026,” she said during a press conference at the UPN Veteran Yogyakarta Rectorate Building on Friday, 22 May 2026.

However, the PPK Task Force has yet to confirm all forms of abuse as the investigation is ongoing.

“I have not yet made a decision, but based on the BAPs so far, the abuse is verbal. But to be honest, there are many BAPs, so I need to read them first. Then we’ll have a meeting to propose recommendations (to the rector),” said Iva.

To date, the task force has found no cases of sexual penetration or forced sexual acts.

“We cannot yet confirm whether the abuse is purely verbal or involves touching and other acts. However, there is no evidence of penetration, coercion, or rape,” she said.

Most victims are bachelor’s degree (S1) students, though some are master’s students and alumni. According to Iva, the victims have not pursued legal action and requested the university handle the case internally.

“Their demand is for immediate action within the university. We must understand that the severity of the abuse by lecturers or suspects varies, with different levels,” she said.

Iva confirmed that recommendations will be made according to the severity of violations under existing regulations.

“We must adhere to the applicable regulations. Some guidelines have already been clarified, so once the alleged perpetrators’ actions are identified as minor, moderate, or severe violations, appropriate action will be taken,” she said.

During victim support, the PPK Task Force also provides psychological counselling for students in need.

“We also ask students about their needs; it is our duty to provide psychological counselling for those who require it, and we will promptly issue referral letters for such students,” she said.