UNM Chancellor Reported By Lecturer For Alleged Sexual Harassment Verbal, Police Intervene

A critical banner related to the chancellor was installed in front of the fence of the Pinisi Tower of Makassar State University (UNM) Jalan Andi Pangeran Pettarani, Makassar, South Sulawesi. (ANTARA)

South Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda) conducted an investigation into alleged verbal sexual harassment by the Chancellor of Makassar State University (UNM) Prof. Karta Jayadi to one of the UNM female lecturers with the initials QD whose case was reported on August 22, 2025.

"The investigation process is still being carried out by the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate," said Head of Public Relations of the South Sulawesi Police, Kombes Pol. Didik Supranoto, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 26.

The case of alleged verbal sexual harassment was reported by QD to the SPKT Polda Sulsel. The report, the same as the substance of the report sent to the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology or Itjen Kemendikbudristek.

The report was based on conversations on the phone or via WhatsApp by the reported party to the reporter who was suspected of having a perverted nuance during 2022-2024, and even had an invitation to meet at the hotel, but the complainant refused. This is what is considered alleged verbal sexual harassment.

"My hope is for processing (reports) according to the applicable law, and transparent to anticipate sexual harassment in the world of education," said the reported confirming when confirmed by journalists.

When asked during the course of this case, after it was reported, were there pressure or peace efforts, he said, someone came to meet him at home. But he did not know his motive, whether it was the initiative himself or the rector's order.

However, from the meeting there was talk of praise and even having a photo of him with the rector when he was given an award and was commented on with words that there was no problem with the rector.

In addition, the person in question and never communicated with him suddenly came to his residence, even though he had never previously been to his house. There are allegations of efforts to find peace in this case.

So far, he stated that he was under the supervision of the family and did not receive calls from unknown people. But it is unfortunate, the person he knows also persuaded him to make peace.

The reporter also denied that the report was based on disappointment because he was removed from his position as Head of the Center for Community Service and Appropriate Technology, Research and Service to the UNM Community, even though he had only served for six months.

"Some persuaded me to be peaceful and willing to return to my position. I said it wasn't like that, what has to do with the (case). This is self-respect, it has nothing to do with it," he said.

"It means that I want to find a sensation, not that. It's useless if I want to make peace with the word position, it means I'm a stupid person. In material terms, thank God, that's enough. I'm not chasing a position. And I make sure I still hope the chancellor is processed according to the rules," he stressed.

He hopes that there will be bureaucratic reform on campus, especially related to sexual violence. Do not let sexual predators still roam on campus. He also responded strangely if someone in this case called vilifying the campus name. Because, first look at the substance of the problem and the person did that.

Previously, UNM Chancellor's attorney Prof. Karta Jayadi through Jamil Misbach stated that his client did not describe sexual harassment, but was triggered by a position issue. Regarding the invitation to the hotel via telephone conversation, it was not true and his client never met the reporter.