The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) has announced that a sexual violence case involving students at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law (FH UI) does not qualify for “heavy sanctions.” This determination follows an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within the faculty.
Details of the Allegations
The case involves 27 victims, comprising both students and lecturers of FH UI. According to findings from the victims’ legal counsel, there are 16 students identified as perpetrators.
The perpetrators reportedly used a chat group to direct sexual narratives toward the victims. In April 2026, the students involved were given a one-month suspension to facilitate the investigation process.
Regulatory Framework and Sanctions
Neni Herlina, Katim Humas Ditjen Dikti, stated that the ministry has maintained communication with the campus and the Prevention and Handling of Violence Task Force (Satgas PPK UI). Sanctions are determined based on Permendikbudristek No. 55 of 2024 regarding the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education Environments.
“Actually, for the determination of sanctions, it is also regulated in Permendikbudristek 55. So there are light sanctions, medium sanctions, and heavy sanctions,” Herlina explained during an event at the Kemendiktisaintek building in Jakarta on Tuesday (19/5/2026).
Herlina further noted that based on the investigation results and specific indicators used, the case did not fall into the category of heavy sanctions.
Administrative Sanction Categories
Under Permendikbudristek Nomor 55 and UI Rector Regulation Nomor 91 of 2022, the following sanctions may be applied:
Light Administrative Sanctions:
- Written warnings and/or
- A written apology published internally on campus or in mass media.
Medium Administrative Sanctions:
- Summons and severe warnings.
- Proposed suspension or academic leave for one to two semesters.
- Proposed termination of scholarships for recipient students.
- Reduction of other rights.
Heavy Administrative Sanctions:
- Proposed suspension from lectures and student activities for three semesters.
- Proposed dismissal.
- Referral to law enforcement agencies if criminal acts are indicated.
Possible Next Steps
Given that the ministry has ruled out heavy sanctions, the perpetrators may face either light or medium administrative penalties. A possible next step could involve the issuance of written warnings or academic leave, depending on which specific indicators were met during the investigation.
If further criminal indications are discovered, the case could potentially be forwarded to law enforcement, though the current administrative ruling suggests the ministry does not currently view the case as meeting that specific “heavy” threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims in the FH UI case? The victims consisted of 27 individuals, including both students and lecturers of the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia. What actions did the perpetrators take? The 16 student perpetrators are known to have sent sexual narratives to the victims within their chat groups. What constitutes a “heavy sanction” according to the regulations? Heavy sanctions include proposed suspension from lectures and activities for three semesters, proposed dismissal, or referral to law enforcement if criminal activity is indicated. Do you believe administrative sanctions are sufficient for addressing sexual harassment in academic environments?
