Campuses: The Environments with the Highest Rates of Sexual Violence

Between 2015 and 2021, the Indonesian National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) received 67 reports of sexual violence in educational settings.

Of these reports, the majority, or 35%, originated from universities or higher education institutions.

Besides universities, other educational environments with a high number of reported sexual violence cases were Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) (16%) and senior high schools (SMA/SMK) (15%).

Reports were also received from junior high schools (SMP), elementary schools (SD), kindergartens (TK), special needs schools (SLB), vocational schools, and church-based education, although in smaller proportions.

A significant number of reports also had unidentified locations, as shown in the graph.

According to Komnas Perempuan, cases of sexual violence in educational settings often involve power imbalances.

For example, sexual violence committed by lecturers against students, senior/leaders of student organizations against juniors, religious leaders in Islamic boarding schools against students, teachers against students, and so on.

Similar cases appear to still be occurring. In December 2023, reports emerged that the Chairperson of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI), Melki Sedek, was allegedly involved in sexual violence.

The UI Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS UI) has confirmed the report. However, the Head of Satgas PPKS UI, Manneke Budiman, refused to disclose details of the report.

"We cannot reveal this to the public or the press, as the Task Force is bound by a code of confidentiality. However, follow-up actions on the report are already underway," said Manneke, as reported by *Detik.com* on Wednesday (20/12/2023).

Following the report, Melki was dismissed from his position as Chairperson of BEM UI.

The Deputy Chairperson of BEM UI, Shifa Anindya Hartono, then stated that her organization would focus on the victim.

"An investigation is currently underway to determine whether the reported individual is proven guilty or not guilty," said Shifa on her personal Instagram account, as quoted by *Detik.com*.

"Please respect the safe space for the victim by not asking about the chronology and identity of the victim. Let us respect the ongoing process and provide support from the victim's perspective," Shifa said.