Riau University Dean Incriminated in Sexual Harassment Case Yet to Be Detaine

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A dean at Riau University, Syafri Harto, who is incriminated in a sexual harassment scandal against one of his female students currently remains active as a university employee. 

The university is currently unable to terminate Syafri Harto from his position as a dean even though he had been named a suspect of a sexual harassment case. 

“For the investigation, the rector has filed a request to the Education Ministry for the rector’s assisting team to accompany Syafri,” said Riau University public communication Rioni Imron to Tempo on November 30.

According to Rioni, this is the rector’s attempt as Syafri's direct supervisor to make administrative decisions regarding Syafri, who is also the social and political sciences dean. The rector suggested a number of candidates for the assisting team which will conduct administrative examinations against the dean.

“The rector will make a decision based on the regulations related to termination,” said Rioni.

The spokesman for the campus’ fact-finding team Sujianto said these administrative steps must be taken as the university adheres to three government regulations related to disciplinary actions against government employees and how it is managed. 

Sujianto explained that Article 81 of Government Regulation of 2017 states that a civil servant or government employee can be terminated from their job if they are detained. The Riau Police has not detained the dean despite already announcing his status as a suspect of the sexual harassment case. 

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FRISKI RIANA