
IPB University Rector, Alim Setiawan Slamet, has announced that 16 students embroiled in a chat group harassment scandal have been handed not only suspensions but also a mandatory requirement to participate in social activities as part of their comprehensive rehabilitation program.
“Yes, these sanctions will certainly be implemented. The students must be inactive for one semester. Additionally, they will engage in social activities and services, and we also aim to enhance their literacy and understanding,” Alim elaborated at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, April 20. He explained that these supplementary sanctions are precisely designed to deepen students’ awareness of various forms of violence, including sexual harassment, thereby diligently preventing any future recurrence within the campus community.
“The core issue might stem from an inconsistent understanding of the spectrum of violence. Therefore, our primary goal is for these students to return as more engaged and responsible members of the university community once their suspension concludes. That is paramount,” he stated. Alim further emphasized that the university meticulously followed established procedures throughout the handling of this sensitive case, which has now reached its final campus-level resolution. “The process has been completed, and sanctions have been imposed. In fact, the IPB process is essentially concluded. The case was reported on April 15, and it was swiftly resolved with sanctions issued by April 18 or 19,” he clarified, underscoring the institution’s efficient and decisive response.
He further noted that the penalties were specifically applied to the 16 students who were demonstrably involved and had admitted their culpability. “These are administrative sanctions, naturally. They were issued by the Dean because the incident transpired within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. The Dean has processed the case and imposed sanctions on the same number, 16 students, who were proven involved and explicitly confessed their wrongdoing,” Alim confirmed.
In parallel with student accountability, IPB University also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support to the victims. This includes essential psychological care and other recovery interventions. “Certainly, we are providing accompaniment, recovery, psychological support, and other assistance to the victims. From the outset, our viewpoint in every incident and report is to stand firmly with the victims. That is our primary principle,” Alim asserted. He added that the university’s approach to this sensitive matter is fundamentally victim-centric, prioritizing the well-being of those affected.
“We trust what the victims have conveyed. We do not question why it happened or how it could have happened. Instead, we unequivocally believe them and do not demand that the victims provide proof,” Alim explained. “However, it is we who diligently work to ascertain the veracity of the incident, based on facts and concrete evidence. If proven true, then the accused must bear full responsibility. I believe that is what matters most.” Alim further clarified that any potential legal proceedings fall entirely within the purview of the victims themselves. “We defer to the victims on this, as our authority is solely administrative, in accordance with established regulations. Our most important role is to protect, support, and help the victims recover. That remains our utmost priority and commitment.”
Origins of the Case
The genesis of this incident traces back to 2024, within a private chat group comprising students from IPB’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT). It was within this group that egregious sexist comments and inappropriate remarks were discovered.
“Inappropriate comments targeting several female students were discovered within that group,” stated Dr. Alfian Helmi, Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing at IPB University. According to Dr. Helmi, the female students who became victims were aware of the group’s existence early on and initially attempted to resolve the issue internally. These efforts involved mediation facilitated by senior students. However, this mediation process was ultimately deemed insufficient to fully address the victims’ profound sense of justice.
“IPB University recognizes that the preceding mediation process did not entirely meet the victims’ sense of justice,” Alfian acknowledged, highlighting the need for further institutional action. The case gained renewed prominence after an official report was formally submitted to the campus on April 14, 2026.
Summary
IPB University has imposed a one-semester suspension on