Viral Allegations of Sexual Harassment in Mechanical Engineering Students' Group Chat, IPB Launches Investigation

Social media has been abuzz with screenshots of a group chat allegedly belonging to students from the Mechanical Engineering and Biosystems programme at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), containing conversations that veer into sexual harassment. The university has promptly launched an investigation into the allegations.

The screenshots of these messages went viral, as seen by detikcom on Wednesday (15/4) on social media platform X. Several students included sensitive words that demean women’s body parts in the conversations.

IPB’s Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing, Alfian Helmi, stated that the university condemns any behaviour that degrades a person’s dignity and honour. He mentioned that IPB is currently delving into the sexual harassment case that has become a topic of public discussion.

“Regarding the report of alleged sexual harassment among students that has been discussed on social media, IPB University condemns all forms of behaviour that degrade human dignity and honour. Currently, IPB University is taking steps to handle the alleged sexual harassment case in question,” Alfian told reporters on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

“Any violation of campus life rules will be processed in accordance with the applicable provisions,” he added.

Alfian explained that IPB University’s Campus Security, Safety, and Protection Management Office (KMKKPK) is processing the alleged sexual harassment case in the Mechanical Engineering and Biosystems group chat. The university is also gathering various pieces of evidence.

“A series of steps are being taken, starting from summoning relevant parties, collecting evidence, and coordinating with related units. Of course, we prioritise principles of caution, confidentiality, and upholding the rule of justice,” he said.

He also discussed IPB Rector’s Regulation No. 45 of 2025 on Student Life Rules, which serves as the basis for processing the alleged violation. The regulation states that if students are proven to have committed a violation, the university will impose firm sanctions.

“If during the investigation it is proven that a violation has occurred, IPB University will impose sanctions in accordance with the applicable provisions,” Alfian stated.

“Updates on the handling of this case will be provided periodically in line with the ongoing process, while still maintaining principles of caution and the rule of justice,” he emphasised.