“UGM leadership admits that the handling of this case has been slow and UGM apologizes for that,” Panut told a press conference in Yogyakarta.

Throughout the press conference, Panut avoided calling the case one of rape or attempted rape, pending consultations with legal counselors and ethics committee members.

“UGM acknowledges that the culture of victim-blaming is one of the reasons behind the slow progress in fulfilling the survivor’s rights,” he added.

On Nov. 5, UGM student magazine Balairung published an investigative report based on the testimony of a female student with the pseudonym Agni, who said a fellow student had assaulted her during a community service assignment at a Maluku village on June 30, 2017.

The alleged perpetrator, an engineering student, has completed his undergraduate degree pending a graduation ceremony.

Panut further lamented the impact of the slow handling of the case on the psychological, financial and academic progress of both the accuser and the accused.

During the press conference, a group of students participated in a rally, holding posters bearing messages such as #kitaAGNI (WeAreAgni) and “I’m Agni. I’m watching you!”

The university’s official apology was made after #kitaAGNI movement representatives met with UGM leaders in late November. (swd)

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