Statement of Position

We strongly condemn all forms of sexual harassment and violence, particularly within academic environments, including at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University (Unhas). The incident involving a faculty member who committed sexual harassment against a student during thesis supervision constitutes a grave violation of academic integrity, human rights, and the sense of security that should be guaranteed by educational institutions.

We also deeply regret the statement made by the Unhas PPKS Task Force, which expressed sympathy toward the perpetrator on the grounds of potential career stagnation. Such remarks demonstrate insensitivity to the suffering of the victim and undermine students' trust in the protection mechanisms that should prioritize their safety and well-being.

The decision to impose only a suspension on the perpetrator fails to reflect a sense of justice and does not provide a sufficient deterrent effect. We demand that the perpetrator face more stringent sanctions, in accordance with applicable legal provisions, to safeguard the victim and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Furthermore, we are gravely concerned about the university's action in expelling students who organized solidarity protests. Instead of respecting the voices of students advocating for justice, this measure appears to suppress dissent and infringe upon freedom of expression. Such actions set a detrimental precedent in efforts to foster a transparent, safe, and equitable campus culture.

We urge Hasanuddin University to:

1. Reassess the decision to expel students involved in solidarity actions and ensure their rights as students are restored.

2. Provide comprehensive support for victims of sexual harassment, including legal, psychological, and academic assistance.

3. Strengthen mechanisms for addressing cases of sexual violence on campus to ensure they are victim-centered and uphold the principles of justice.

Higher education institutions must be safe spaces for all individuals, not environments where power is misused. Together, let us strive to create an academic community that upholds integrity, ensures freedom from harassment, and prioritizes justice.

#EndHarassment #SafeCampus #SolidarityWithVictims