NTB Lecturer Accused of Sexual Harassment Under ‘Zikir’ Guise
In a shocking turn of events, a lecturer identified as RL in Mataram, Lombok, NTB, is facing allegations of sexual harassment under the guise of a spiritual practice known as “zikir zakar.” The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, expressed his dismay at the unfolding case, highlighting the disturbing trend of sexual harassment incidents on university campuses.
Call for Anti-Sexual Harassment Education
Sahroni emphasized the need for educational institutions across Indonesia to intensify efforts in promoting anti-sexual harassment education among their academic communities. He called for collaboration with law enforcement agencies to not only provide training but also establish comprehensive mechanisms for handling cases from reporting to resolution. Additionally, he stressed the importance of providing support for victims throughout the process.
Reflecting on the case, Sahroni underscored that anyone could be a perpetrator or a victim of sexual harassment, urging the police to remain vigilant and responsive to such cases. He urged prompt action when individuals report incidents of harassment using unconventional methods, emphasizing the significance of taking these claims seriously without casting doubt on the victims’ testimonies.
Zero Tolerance for Perpetrators
Sahroni made it clear that the legal system and law enforcement authorities would not compromise when dealing with perpetrators of sexual harassment and violence. He emphasized that individuals engaging in such despicable acts would face maximum penalties without leniency, emphasizing that justice would prevail.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Coalition to Stop Sexual Harassment, Joko Jumadi, revealed that the number of victims subjected to the “Zikir Zakar” ritual by the lecturer RL in Mataram, Lombok, NTB, had risen to 22 individuals. Jumadi disclosed that all victims were male students, detailing the lecturer’s approach of luring victims through religious study sessions before instructing them to repent and engaging in sexual harassment rituals under the guise of spiritual practices.
This alarming case sheds light on the urgent need for robust measures to combat sexual harassment in educational settings and underscores the critical importance of raising awareness, fostering a culture of accountability, and providing unwavering support to victims of such reprehensible acts.
