Unpad Suspends Professor Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) has temporarily suspended a professor accused of sexual harassment.
- The university stated the suspension is to facilitate an impartial investigation into the allegations.
- Unpad reaffirmed its commitment to zero tolerance for sexual violence and pledged to take strict action if the professor is found guilty.
Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) has acted swiftly and decisively in response to serious allegations of sexual harassment against one of its professors. The university's immediate suspension of the accused faculty member demonstrates a clear commitment to upholding a safe and respectful academic environment for all its students and staff.
The main goal is to give the investigative team the opportunity to conduct the investigation and gather evidence.
This proactive measure, as explained by Unpad's Head of Public Communication, Dandi Supriadi, is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the investigation. By temporarily relieving the professor of their duties, Unpad allows the investigative team, including the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS), to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry without interference.
Suspension is not a punishment but an action to maintain the conduciveness of the work and learning environment at Unpad.
Unpad's Rector, Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, has unequivocally stated the university's zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence, especially sexual harassment. This stance is vital in an educational institution where trust and safety are paramount. The university's commitment to due process, while also prioritizing the protection of its community, is a delicate but necessary balance.
Unpad does not tolerate any form of violence, including sexual violence, in any form within the campus environment.
From our perspective at Tempo, this swift action is commendable. It sends a strong message that Unpad takes such allegations extremely seriously and is prepared to take decisive action. While the investigation is ongoing, the university's transparent communication and adherence to established procedures provide reassurance to the academic community. We will continue to follow this case closely, emphasizing the importance of a fair investigation and appropriate consequences should the allegations be substantiated.
In this matter, Unpad is committed that if the investigation process proves sexual violence, Universitas Padjadjaran will impose sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.