Unpad Suspends Professor Over Sexual Harassment Allegation

April 17, 2026 | 09:30 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – West Java's Padjadjaran University (Unpad) has moved quickly to respond to allegations that a nursing faculty professor identified by the initials IY sexually assaulted students, suspending the lecturer shortly after the issue surfaced on social media.

Unpad Head of Public Communication Office Dandi Supriadi said the suspension is intended to allow investigators to work without disruption.

“The main goal is to give the investigation team the opportunity to trace the case and collect evidence,” Dandi told Tempo on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

He stressed that the temporary suspension means the lecturer is relieved from all academic duties while the investigation is ongoing, ensuring the process is not hindered by teaching or other campus activities. “The suspension is not related to whether evidence is strong or weak,” he said.

The Head of Unpad’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS), Ari Jogaiswara Adipurwawidjana, said the measure is preventive in nature.

“The suspension is not a punishment, but a step to maintain a safe and conducive teaching and learning environment at Unpad,” he said.

Unpad Rector Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita expressed deep concern over the allegations, saying the university does not tolerate any form of violence, including sexual violence, on campus.

“As a higher education institution, Unpad is committed to upholding integrity, safety, and protection for the entire academic community. Any alleged violations will be handled seriously in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said in an official statement on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

He added that the university has begun formal procedures for handling the case, including forming an investigative team involving the Satgas PPKS and the faculty senate. “Unpad is committed to imposing sanctions in accordance with applicable laws if the investigation proves a violation of sexual violence,” he said.

In a separate statement, the Student Executive Bodies (BEM) of Unpad and the Nursing Faculty said they were aware of social media reports on X (formerly Twitter) regarding allegations involving a lecturer identified by the initials IY.

“We stress that no form of sexual violence can be justified under any circumstances, and such actions have no place in the campus environment,” they said, expressing support for victims and encouraging efforts for protection, assistance, and recovery.

They also urged the academic community to prioritize empathy and collective safety, including not spreading victims’ identities or unverified information, avoiding victim-blaming narratives, and using official university channels to report any incidents or suspicions of sexual violence.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, and/or gender-based violence, please contact the nearest authorities and organizations. If you’re in Indonesia, you can call Pulih Foundation at (021) 78842580, Komnas Perempuan at (021) 80605399, or the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection’s SAPA Service 129 at 08111 129 129. For immediate dangers, call the police at Call Center 110.

Read: Wave of Sexual Harassment Cases Reported Across Indonesian Campuses

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