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ith reference to the article “Sexually harassed and abused on campus” published in The Jakarta Post on June 2, let me voice my concerns. As an alumni of the School of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and a former student of EH (the lecturer who was suspended due to sexual harassment), I can neither understand nor accept that UGM has not dismissed EH.

I pray for EH to repent and change. I cannot deny that he enriched my academic thinking. Still, he harmed a student despite all the knowledge that he daily imparted to UGM students. EH is not an underage boy without informed consent; he is a very highly educated man who knows the full consequences of his actions. Ironically, EH was the one who taught me feminist theories. EH knows that most people who suffer sexual harassment will not report it. EH knows his actions are against the law and will ruin the life of the survivor and even himself. It is likely that he even did research on the subject.

In essence, he has betrayed the trust in academic values and therefore is not fit to be a lecturer. It is even UGM’s obligation to report EH to law enforcers as his action is classified as a crime.  

I am always proud of UGM. The university has taught me to side with the weak and oppressed, to value the difference of perspectives and to uphold human rights. In respect for the values UGM has taught me, I call on the university leaders to practice what they teach. And as “Kampus Rakyat” (campus for the people) UGM has the obligation to protect its students and bring justice to victims of sexual harassment.  

Margaretta Sagala
Alumnus of School of Social and Political Studies
Gadjah Mada University,Yogyakarta