When Unsoed Professor Allegedly Predator: DPR Voice Asks For Law Not To View Status

JAKARTA Member of Commission III of the DPR, Gilang Dhielafararez, highlighted the alleged sexual violence case involving a professor at Jenderal Sudirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto against his student.

Gilang asked the police to immediately process the case legally and impose criminal sanctions if the perpetrator is found guilty.

"Sexual violence is a crime against the body, dignity, and human rights of victims. When the perpetrators are public figures in the world of education, the legal process must run with high integrity standards and without compromise," said Gilang in a written statement, Monday, July 28.

He emphasized that there should be no protection for perpetrators, let alone internal settlements that actually weaken justice for victims.

The politician from the constituency for Central Java II also asked the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemendiktsaintek) to participate in overseeing this case in a professional and credible manner.

"Law enforcement, including the police and prosecutors, must be proactive in handling this case fairly, quickly, and transparently," said Gilang.

According to him, law enforcement agencies need to show that the law is not subject to social status, academic degree, or position of power.

"We also encourage law enforcement officials to provide special protection to victims from potential intimidation and pressure," he added.

He emphasized that case handling must prioritize the victim's perspective and ensure that evidence and testimony are processed professionally.

Gilang also urged the police to use Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (TPKS) as a legal basis in investigating the case.

"The TPKS Law provides a clear basis, especially regarding sexual violence committed in power relations. There is a dimension of legal weighting there," he said.

For information, Article 11 of the TPKS Law stipulates that officials who commit acts of sexual violence can be sentenced to a maximum of 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp. 300 million.

"If proven, the perpetrators do not only deserve maximum punishment, but must also be deprived of their social rights to take part in the academic and public world," said Gilang.

He reminded that cases of sexual violence committed by teachers should not be narrowed down as mere campus internal ethical violations. On the other hand, it must be processed as a serious crime.

"This case is an important precedent that the world of education should not be a safe place for sexual predators," he stressed.

Gilang also asked all universities not to resolve cases of sexual violence only with internal administrative sanctions. He emphasized that criminal law cannot be negotiated in the name of maintaining the image of the institution.

"The state has an obligation to guarantee equal and fair legal protection for all citizens, including in handling cases like this," said Gilang.

It is known that the Banyumas City Police are conducting an investigation into allegations of sexual violence that occurred in the Unsoed campus environment. Although there has been no official report, an investigation is still being carried out to gather initial information.

This case also sparked a demonstration in front of the Unsoed campus. Students hold solidarity actions as a form of support for victims.

Meanwhile, the Unsoed rectorate has formed an Examining Team consisting of seven people to investigate the alleged involvement of the professor.