Despite the absence of formal police reports, the Polda Metro Jaya (Jakarta Metropolitan Police) has taken a proactive stance, launching a comprehensive investigation into alleged sexual violence involving 16 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (UI). Police officials have already commenced gathering crucial evidence and establishing direct communication channels with the university.
This swift action by law enforcement follows the widespread virality of inappropriate chat screenshots circulated within a UI student WhatsApp Group. According to Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, the Directorate of Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Human Trafficking (PPO) of Polda Metro Jaya has been actively deployed to handle the sensitive case.
Their initial steps include not only the meticulous collection of various pieces of evidence but also the creation of an official information report to formalize coordination with the campus authorities. This proactive investigatory approach underscores their commitment to addressing the allegations, even as they await formal reports from potential victims.
“Polda Metro Jaya will certainly open its doors to this incident. As of today, Polda Metro Jaya has not officially received any police reports,” Budi stated on Thursday (April 16), emphasizing the police’s readiness to intervene regardless of formal complaints.
Budi further assured the public that Polda Metro Jaya is not merely giving attention to these widely discussed allegations of sexual violence but is also committed to ensuring the robust protection of any victims. To this end, close coordination is being maintained with legal advisors to guarantee that victims receive appropriate assistance and support throughout the process.
He also highlighted the importance of respecting the university’s institutional autonomy, stating, “We will also institutionally respect that the campus or university is taking internal steps and stages. We urge everyone to collectively respect the space being utilized by the university for its internal investigation.” This dual approach seeks to balance external law enforcement efforts with internal university processes.
The senior police officer reiterated a critical appeal to the public: refrain from disseminating the identities of the alleged victims. Furthermore, the police are actively encouraging all victims of sexual violence to bravely come forward and make their reports without fear of retribution or judgment.
“All victims of sexual violence should be able to speak up, to report, to convey their experiences to the public, to the police, and we are confident that we will all provide positive support. Specifically, Polda Metro Jaya will be present in the enforcement of law,” Budi firmly declared, underscoring the commitment to justice and victim empowerment.
Based on information that has circulated widely, the alleged sexual violence incidents initially involved 16 students. Screenshots from the viral WhatsApp Group clearly displayed conversations containing highly inappropriate language. More recently, new information has emerged suggesting that the number of victims could be as high as 27, reportedly including both female students and lecturers.