Lecturer In NTB Detained On Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Same-sex Types

Dirreskrimum Polda NTB Kombes Pol. Syarif Hidayat. (ANTARA)

MATARAM The case of alleged sexual harassment that dragged a lecturer in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is now entering a new chapter. NTB Regional Police investigators officially detained LRR, a lecturer at a university, after being named a suspect in a case of sexual harassment of the same sex against dozens of students.

The detention was carried out on Monday, April 21, 2025. LRR is now being held in the cell of the Directorate of Detention and Evidence (Dittahti) of the NTB Police.

"The detention was carried out after we had at least two pieces of evidence," said the Director of General Criminal Investigation at the NTB Police, Kombes Pol Syarif Hidayat, to reporters, Tuesday, April 22.

The evidence was obtained from the results of examination of witnesses and statements from experts, ranging from criminal law experts, forensic psychology, to linguists. From the series of investigations, investigators considered that there were sufficient reasons to ensnare LRR as a suspect.

This case arose thanks to the courage of a number of students who reported the alleged sexual harassment they experienced. The NTB's Coalition to Stop Sexual Violence (KSKS), which is actively assisting victims, noted that there were at least 12 victims, all of whom were men and came from several universities in NTB where LRR taught.

According to KSKS NTB, victims are abused in various forms, ranging from sexual nuances to physical actions that exceed the limits of academic relations. Some victims are even said to have experienced trauma and difficulty undergoing lectures.

"This is not only a matter of violating the law, but also concerning the safety and dignity of students in the education room which should be safe," said one of the KSKS spokesmans.

After this case emerged and received public attention, the campus where LRR taught immediately took firm steps. According to KSKS NTB, LRR has been dismissed from his position as a lecturer. However, there has been no official statement from the university regarding further steps, including the matter of assisting the victim.

This case again strengthens the importance of the existence of a protection mechanism in the campus environment. Many parties consider that cases of sexual harassment are often not revealed due to the lack of complaints channels that are safe and free from pressure.

The NTB KSKS and a number of human rights activists have urged this case to be used as a momentum to accelerate the application of sexual anti-violence policies in universities, as mandated by Permendikbudristek Number 30 of 2021 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education.

"As long as there is no institutional courage to take action, and as long as the victim is allowed to face stigma alone, the perpetrator will continue to feel safe," said KSKS.

LRR is now charged with articles related to alleged obscene acts or sexual harassment, with the threat of imprisonment. The legal process is still ongoing, and the police stated that there are still opportunities for other victims to report.