16 Indonesian university students suspended after alleged sexually explicit chat logs leaked, shamed in front of school

Sixteen law students from the University of Indonesia (UI) have been temporarily suspended from academic activities after alleged leaked group chat messages containing sexually explicit remarks and objectification of women went viral online.

This sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over sexual harassment on university campuses in Indonesia, reported Antara News.

The suspension runs from Apr. 15 to May 30, 2026, according to the university, which said the move was intended to ensure an impartial investigation and protect all parties involved while inquiries continue.

Students barred from campus during probe

According to university spokesperson Erwin Agustian Panigoro, the 16 students, all from the law faculty, are barred from attending lectures, academic advising sessions and other campus-based learning activities during the suspension period.

They are also prohibited from entering campus unless summoned for questioning or urgent matters under university supervision.

The university added that the students’ participation in student organisations has also been restricted, while monitoring measures have been introduced to prevent direct or indirect contact with victims or witnesses during the investigation.

The university has not ruled out referring the matter to law enforcement if criminal elements are found, according to Antara News.

It also assured that psychological and legal assistance would be provided to victims while confidentiality is maintained.

Panigoro added that the university’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force had been assigned to verify reports, summon those involved and gather evidence, adding that expulsion remains possible if violations are confirmed.

Leaked chats drew widespread condemnation

The case drew widespread attention after screenshots circulated on social media showing what appeared to be conversations in a student group chat containing vulgar remarks, sexually explicit jokes and derogatory comments about female students and lecturers.

Some screenshots also appeared to show participants making jokes involving consent and sexual violence, further fuelling criticism online because all those involved are reportedly law students.

The authenticity of the screenshots has not been independently verified, and the identities of those allegedly involved have not been officially disclosed by the faculty.

Social media users have also circulated unverified claims about the family backgrounds of some students, alleging that several come from prominent or influential families.

Students demanded stronger action

Public anger quickly spilled onto campus, with students gathering at a forum held at the university in Depok on Apr. 13, where some demanded that those involved apologise publicly and face disciplinary action, reported The Jakarta Post.

Videos circulating on TikTok also appeared to show several of the students being brought to stand in front of other students as calls for disciplinary action were raised.

The university’s student union, BEM UI, called on Tuesday (Apr. 14) for the students to face an ethics hearing and urged the university to fully investigate unresolved sexual violence cases on campus.

Several of the students involved were also removed from student organisations following the incident.

Concerns over campus sexual violence

The law faculty said it had launched a “thorough, careful, and comprehensive verification process”, as cited by Jakarta Globe, adding that firm action would be taken if violations were established.

The scandal has also renewed broader concerns over sexual harassment and rape culture in Indonesian educational institutions.

Education watchdog the Network for Education Watch Indonesia described the persistence of sexual violence on campuses as a systemic failure, according to The Jakarta Post, saying university mechanisms often prioritise institutional reputation over victim safety.

Top images via ImRisu1303/X, nadnadskyy/TikTok