Viral Old Video of Students Singing Song with Sexual Harassment Content, ITB Mining Student Association Apologises

A video of the Semi-Dangdut Orchestra (OSD) from the Mining Student Association (HMT) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) singing lyrics that point to suspected sexual harassment has circulated. ITB has responded to the matter. The clip from the HMT-ITB OSD performance features song lyrics that veer towards harassment of women. This incident has angered netizens. In response, HMT-ITB has spoken out and apologised to the public. “We extend our deepest apologies for the circulation of the song that has caused public concern. We fully understand and recognise the sensitivity of this issue and express our concern and empathy to the community, particularly women,” reads the official statement posted on the ITB website, as reported by detikJabar on Wednesday (15/4/2026). The statement notes that the OSD HMT-ITB is one of the activity units under HMT-ITB, established in the 1970s, and the song titled “Erika” was created in the 1980s. We realise this is an oversight in continuing to perform the song given the development of social norms and morality in contemporary society. “We firmly acknowledge that the content in the performance does not reflect the values that should be upheld in the academic environment and student organisations. HMT-ITB firmly states that we do not condone any actions that degrade the dignity of any individual or group,” the official statement continues. In addressing the incident, ITB has coordinated with relevant parties to promptly take down the video and audio content from HMT-ITB’s official channels as well as deletions from affiliated individual accounts, including the 2020 video circulating in the community. “We are conducting a comprehensive internal evaluation of the content, execution, and oversight of activities related to the song and similar songs containing such elements, as well as reviewing the standards and guidelines for organisational activities to align with the evolving ethical values in the ITB campus environment and society. Bandung, 15 April 2026 Mining Student Association ITB,” the official statement concludes.