'A safe space to harass': Why locker room talk thrives in Indonesia’s digital spaces

A disturbing trend of sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior among students has surfaced across Indonesian universities, sparking widespread public outcry and demanding urgent attention. Recent incidents, including the suspension of law students from the University of Indonesia (UI) for vulgar remarks in a viral chat group, and the similar sanctioning of students from the Bandung Institute of Technology for an offensive song, underscore a pervasive issue.

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Allegations of sexual harassment involving students from various Indonesia universities have sparked public outrage across the country and scrutiny over women’s safety in the digital space.

These cases, which involve the objectification of women, obscene jokes, and the creation of hostile online environments, have rightly ignited public anger. The University of Indonesia is conducting an internal investigation, while the Bandung Institute of Technology suspended students involved in a performance with deeply offensive lyrics targeting young widows. Bogor Agricultural University also sanctioned students for demeaning conversations in a chat group.

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First, law students from the University of Indonesia (UI) were suspended on Apr 16 after screenshots went viral online chat group conversations containing vulgar remarks, the objectification of women’s bodies, and obscene jokes targeting at least 20 students and seven lecturers.

The Indonesian government's enactment of the Sexual Violence Crime Act in 2022 was a significant step towards addressing sexual violence, including electronic forms. The law provides for penalties such as jail time and fines. However, the persistent rise in reported cases, with the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) recording 233 incidents in educational settings in the first three months of this year alone—nearly half being sexual violence—indicates that legal measures alone are insufficient.

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The song plays on the negative stigmas associated with young widows in Indonesian society as potential husband stealers with vulgar lyrics objectifying women’s bodies and depicting sexual relations.

Experts are analyzing the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors, the profound psychological impact on victims, and the necessary steps to foster genuine change. The prevalence of such incidents, particularly in digital spaces, suggests a need for more robust educational initiatives and stricter enforcement to create truly safe and respectful learning environments for all students. The contrast between the legal framework and the reality on the ground necessitates a deeper societal conversation and stronger preventative actions.

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The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) recorded 233 cases of violence in educational environments during the first three months of this year, nearly half of which were sexual violence.