Written by Teresa Aprila Septania Kulas, Reinardus Cherubim Array Mooy, and Mariella Putri Adita Pantur
MANGGARAI, PENA1NTT.COM – Universities should be safe spaces for learning and personal growth. However, the reality in many campuses often shows otherwise.
Cases of sexual violence in higher education institutions continue to rise, while inappropriate behavior from educators is still frequently dismissed as “jokes,” “teaching style,” or ordinary friendliness.
Data from the 2022 Annual Records of Komnas Perempuan reported 338,496 cases of violence against women in 2021.
Educational institutions remained one of the environments where sexual violence was repeatedly reported.
The report also showed that cases in higher education continued to appear over the years, indicating that campuses still struggle to provide a fully safe environment for students.
One factor that contributes to this issue is the normalization of flirtatious behavior by lecturers.
Comments about students physical appearance, late-night personal messages unrelated to academic matters, or invitations to meet in private spaces are sometimes treated as harmless behavior.
In reality, these action can blur professional boundaries between lectures and students.
In many cases, the power relation between lecturers and students creates an unequall position.
Lecturers have academic authority that may influence grades, supervision, recommendation, and graduation processes.
This imbalance often makes students feel pressured, uncomfortable, or afraid to speak up when inappropriate beahvior occurs.
As a result, silence is frequently misunderstood as consent, even though it may come from fear or vulnerability.
The problem is made worse by prevention efforts that often focus more on students’ behavior than on institutional responsibility.
Students are commonly advised to avoid certain situation, dress modestly, or limit interactions with lecturers.
While personal caution is important, placing the burden entirely on students risks shifting attention away from the actual source of the problem: abusive or inappropriate behavior from those in positions of authority.
Universities should prioritize clear ethical standards and transparent reporting systems.
Educational institutions also need to ensure that complaints are handled fairly and professionally without intimidating victims or protecting perpetrators for the sake of institutional reputation.
Respectful communication and professional boundaries must become part of academic culture, not optional values.
Campuses must not become spaces that silence victims in order to protect institutional image.
Education with dignity can only exist when students are treated as human begins whose rights, safety, and dignity must be protected.
Ending the normalization of flirtatious behavior is not merely a moral choice, but a shared responsibility.
