Jakarta. The government has pledged zero tolerance for campus violence as a sexual harassment case at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia (UI), intensifies scrutiny, with 16 students under investigation and growing pressure for a transparent probe.

The Faculty of Law at UI said it is investigating allegations of sexual harassment involving students after screenshots from a private chat group containing inappropriate messages circulated online.

The case gained public attention on Monday after the topic began trending on the social media platform X, following posts from an account that shared alleged screenshots of conversations from a student chat group. The posts claimed the messages included derogatory remarks and the objectification of women.

On Tuesday, the students were publicly presented on campus and made to apologize, while other students confronted them and lashed out.

The Higher Education, Science, and Technology Ministry said the case, currently being handled by the university, must be addressed objectively, accountably, and with full protection for victims.

Minister Brian Yuliarto stressed that universities must remain safe and dignified spaces.

“We affirm there must be zero tolerance for any form of violence on campus. Any act that degrades human dignity is a serious violation and must be handled thoroughly, fairly, and with a clear focus on victim protection,” Brian said on Wednesday.

He added that the ministry has coordinated with the UI rector and will continue monitoring the case, including ensuring victims receive proper assistance and protection.

The handling of the case refers to Ministerial Regulation No. 55/2024 on the prevention and handling of violence in higher education, which covers physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual violence, as well as bullying, discrimination, and intolerance. Any criminal elements, if found, will be processed under Indonesia’s Sexual Violence Crime Law.

The ministry said it is overseeing the university’s task force, ensuring victim support services, and pushing for transparency in the investigation.

Student Concerns
The case has drawn widespread attention after the student executive body (BEM UI) raised concerns over alleged impunity among the suspects.

BEM UI vice chair Fattima Azzara said internal information suggested discrepancies between public statements and private conversations among the alleged perpetrators.

“Leaked conversations show they feel safe, as if they are above the law. They even claim to have influence and backing on campus,” she said.

She called the situation ironic, saying the suspects come from a law faculty environment that should uphold legal principles. “This is ironic. A serious case like this involves individuals who should understand the law the most,” she said.

Fattima also stressed that no one should be immune from legal consequences, regardless of background.

“Whoever they are, whatever their family background, whether connected to officials, lawyers, or campus networks, they cannot override the law,” she said.

BEM UI urged a firm, transparent process free from external intervention.

Campus Response
The Faculty of Law condemned the alleged misconduct, saying it “strongly denounces any behavior that undermines human dignity and contradicts legal and academic ethics.”

It added that a thorough and careful verification process is underway, and any violations, including those with potential criminal elements, will be addressed decisively in coordination with authorities.

Meanwhile, UI spokesperson Erwin Agustian Panigoro said the investigation is being conducted comprehensively, involving the university’s violence prevention task force and relevant units.

“At this stage, 16 students have been identified as alleged parties involved. All are undergoing examination in accordance with procedures, while upholding the presumption of innocence, fairness, and the rights of all parties,” he said.

He added that the case originated from interactions in a digital communication space that later spread widely and triggered public reaction. The university said the situation on campus remains under control and has not escalated into physical conflict.