JAKARTA - The University of Indonesia (UI) has temporarily frozen the academic status of 16 students suspected of being involved in sexual harassment through a group chat. Academic deactivation of the 16 suspected students during the period from April 15 to May 30, 2026.
This step is referred to as a preventive administrative action to maintain the atmosphere of the academic environment and protect all parties involved.
The policy refers to the Internal Memo Letter of the Follow-up Inspection Plan (RTLP) from the UI Prevention and Handling of Violence Task Force (PPK Task Force) dated April 15, 2026. In its recommendation, the Task Force asked for a temporary deactivation as part of efforts to ensure that the examination is objective and fair.
During the period of deactivation, the suspects are not allowed to participate in all academic activities, including lectures and guidance. They are also prohibited from being on campus, except for the purpose of inspection or urgent matters with the supervision of the university.
In addition, UI limits the involvement of the suspects in student organizations. Supervision is carried out strictly to prevent interaction, both directly and indirectly, with victims and witnesses during the investigation process.
UI Public Relations Director Dr. Erwin Agustian Panigoro emphasized that this step is a form of the campus' commitment to maintaining the objectivity of the examination.
"This step is taken as part of the university's commitment to ensure that the examination process is carried out objectively, protect all parties involved, and maintain a conducive academic environment," he said.
On the other hand, UI also coordinates with the Ministry of Empowerment of Women and Child Protection (PPPA) to strengthen the handling of cases. The meeting which took place on April 15, 2026 discussed the development of the case, the initial chronology, to the follow-up plan for the ongoing investigation.
UI Rector Prof Heri Hermansyah emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach in dealing with cases of sexual violence in universities.
"In the future, we need to encourage more holistic and multidisciplinary studies to see the root of the problem in a comprehensive manner. From there we can formulate a more appropriate methodology so that similar events can be minimized," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of PPPA Arifatul Choiri Fauzi highlighted the importance of strengthening national coordination and a participatory approach to students.
"We need to sit together in a national coordination forum to formulate positions and strengthen the Task Force at universities, as well as learn from existing good practices. In addition, the approach to students must also be more participatory, by involving peers so that the prevention message is easier to accept," he said.
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