Stefani Wijaya & Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – Pancasila University's Head of Public Relations, Putri Langka, has affirmed that the university is aware of reports regarding accusations of sexual harassment against its rector, 72-year-old ETH.
The Pancasila University Foundation is preparing to hold a meeting to discuss matters about the allegation.
"For now, I can only convey that the foundation will soon hold a plenary meeting to discuss the case, including matters related to the rector's position," said Putri in her statement on Sunday.
She emphasized Pancasila University's commitment to respecting the ongoing legal process, considering that the case is being handled by the authorities.
"We also respect all parties involved, both as complainants and respondents. We adhere to the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' until a legal decision is established," said Putri Langka.
Previously, the Jakarta Metro Police said it would summon the rector of Pancasila University, identified as ETH regarding allegations of sexual harassment against two employees identified as RZ, 42, and DF on Monday.
The Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Director, Ade Ary Syam Indradi, confirmed the summons and stated that the case is being handled by the Women and Children Protection Unit in the Metro Jaya Regional Police.
The reports, dated Jan. 12 and Jan. 29, indicated that ETH has been reported under Article 6 of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes.
Raden Nanda Setiawan, the legal representative for ETH, strongly denied the allegations. Raden asserted that the reported incident was untrue and had never taken place. Additionally, Raden cautioned about the potential consequences if the accusations are not substantiated.
Raden emphasized that the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' must also be upheld in this legal case. On the other hand, RZ's report appears suspicious as the sexual harassment is claimed to have occurred a year ago but was only reported now during the ongoing process of selecting a new rector for the university.
"We continue to monitor the process. We trust the police to handle this report professionally," said Raden on Sunday.
Edie is a law professor who began his term as the Pancasila University chancellor on May 28, 2021. His attempt to become a Constitutional Court justice in 2014 was unsuccessful.