Note: This article is a sociocultural analysis of a recurring phenomenon. Specific names and case details have been omitted to avoid further victimizing individuals involved in past incidents.
A progressive counter-movement has emerged, led by the BEM (Student Executive Boards) of major universities like UI (Universitas Indonesia) and UGM. These groups argue that expelling a victim of cyber-leaking is akin to punishing a sexual assault survivor for wearing a short skirt. They advocate for suspension of judgment until a proper investigation into the source of the leak is completed. Indonesian warganet (netizens) are some of the most engaged digital citizens in the world, ranking high on global indices for social media usage. But this engagement has a toxic underbelly.
This performative disgust is unique. It allows the warganet to consume forbidden content while maintaining a moral superiority. The mahasiswi is dehumanized into konten (content)—a two-minute distraction that is judged, saved, and then discarded when the next scandal breaks. What happens to the mahasiswi after the algorithm moves on?
Result: The boyfriend faces a maximum of 4 years for revenge porn (Article 45). In reality, he is rarely caught. The mahasiswi , however, faces expulsion from campus (violating the kode etik ), social ostracism, and potential prosecution for "producing" immoral content. The viral mob justice has a profound chilling effect on how young Indonesian women navigate the digital world.
