Commission X of the DPR wants the campus to investigate the case of the alleged suicide of a Unima student who was harassed by a lecturer
Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives Habib Syarief, asked the campus to investigate the case of the death of a student who was allegedly a victim of sexual harassment by a lecturer. He assessed that this alleged harassment reflected the weakness of the victim protection system in the university environment.
According to him, this case should be the starting point for improving adequate protection and assistance mechanisms for victims. He also expressed his condolences for the death of the student.
"Allegations of sexual harassment by lecturers should not be considered trivial. This is an iceberg phenomenon that needs to be thoroughly and transparently investigated," Habib Syarief told reporters, Saturday, January 3.
Habib Syarief also asked the campus to be cooperative in uncovering the case and ensure that there is no attempt to cover up information. He also highlighted the still large number of sexual harassment victims on campus who feel unsafe to report.
According to the member of the education commission, the lack of protection and assistance systems, especially mental and psychological assistance, makes the victim choose to be silent and bear the trauma alone. Habib Syarief assessed that this condition has a serious impact on the victim's mental health.
"Not all campuses have a clear and effective protection scheme. As a result, victims feel alone and afraid to reveal their cases," he said.
Habib also emphasized that the prevalence of sexual harassment cases shows that the campus has not yet become a safe space, especially for women. He emphasized that there should be no tolerance for any form of violence, including sexual violence, in the academic environment.
"The campus must guarantee the safety of the victim to speak without fear and take firm action against the perpetrators," said the PKB legislator from West Java.
Habib Syarief also asked the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Universities (PPKPT Task Force) to work effectively with the support of all campus elements. Prevention efforts, he said, must be carried out continuously through education, socialization, and professional handling of cases and siding with the victims.
"There must be no impunity. Protection of victims and enforcement of sanctions against perpetrators must be a joint commitment," he concluded.
Previously, a student of the State University of Manado died by suicide which was allegedly related to a case of sexual harassment by a lecturer. The lecturer with the initials DM has been temporarily dismissed from his position.
The allegations surfaced after the circulation of the victim's handwritten complaint containing sexual harassment complaints. The victim's family has reported this case to the North Sulawesi Police Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT).