Chronology of Alleged UMY Lecturer Harassment: Once Peaceful in 2023, Viral Again in 2026

Illustration of sexual violence (Antara)

BANTUL - The alleged sexual harassment involving a lecturer of the Pharmacy Study Program at the Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMY) has become the focus of public attention after a WhatsApp conversation allegedly containing indecent messages went viral on social media. The campus said the case is now being handled by the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPT Task Force).

Chairman of the UMY PPKPT Task Force, King Faisal Sulaiman, revealed that the alleged sexual harassment had actually occurred since 2023. At that time, the issue was resolved within the family so that it did not continue to the wider handling process.

"Actually, it has been since 2023, but it was settled within the family, but it resurfaced again this year, and we are trying to take action," said King when giving a press statement at the lobby of the UMY Rectorate, Saturday, July 18.

The case resurfaced again after on July 10, 2026, a post circulated on social media containing a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation allegedly involving a lecturer with the initials FK with his students. The post then spread widely through Threads and Instagram until it sparked public attention.

Responding to the viral posting, the UMY Rectorate confirmed the report of alleged sexual harassment and assigned the PPKPT Task Force to conduct an investigation.

"It is true that there is a suspicion of the case, and the campus has assigned us to conduct an in-depth investigation," said King.

In the initial investigation, the PPKPT Task Force asked for information from the reporter. Based on the results of the interim examination, the lecturer with the initials FK admitted the acts that were alleged against him. However, the investigation process is still ongoing to delve into all facts and evidence.

"From the initial investigation, the reported or suspected perpetrator admitted the accusation that he had sexually harassed the victim, who was none other than his own student, and we will continue to develop this," he said.

The campus explained that the first victim to report was a final semester student who was also a student of the lecturer's academic guidance.

After the case went viral, the PPKPT Task Force received reports from a number of other victims. However, based on the evidence that has been verified and the reported confession, so far there are four victims who have been identified.

"Yes, since the post went viral, reports have emerged, but those who were identified based on evidence and the reported confession, there were a total of four people," said King.

As an initial step in handling, the UMY Rectorate temporarily deactivated the lecturer with the initials FK from all academic and non-academic activities during the investigation process.

The campus party confirmed that the handling of the case was carried out according to the applicable mechanism through the PPKPT Task Force. Until now, the investigation is still ongoing and UMY ensures that all reports will be followed up objectively in accordance with applicable regulations. The final status and sanctions against the reported will be determined after the examination process is completed.