Viral: Woman Alleges Sexual Harassment by HRD Official During Job Interview in Surabaya

SURABAYA, KOMPAS.com - A video has gone viral on social media featuring a woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by a Human Resource Development (HRD) official during a job interview in Surabaya, East Java.

The victim shared her story on the Threads account @tikusgarong000, warning others to be more cautious when applying for jobs at a logistics company in Surabaya.

In the post, she also provided proof by sharing personal data from two online application forms she had filled out.

She pointed out some irregularities in the recruitment process, noting that she was required to fill in her biodata and submit a photo holding her ID card.

"Usually, at the interview stage, we're just asked to bring the documents. But this company asks applicants to complete two links first—one for personal data, and it’s really private, even asking for a photo while holding an ID card, I swear. I’ve attached the evidence," she wrote on her account on Sunday (9/20/2026).

Another irregularity occurred during the interview phase with the suspected HRD official who allegedly committed the harassment.

Before entering the room for the interview, the victim said she waited for two hours. She became suspicious when the previous applicant exited the HRD official’s room looking scared and rushed.

When it was her turn, the HRD official began sexually harassing the female candidates, including her.

"I honestly never imagined that the person conducting the interview for two hours was this HRD official who sexually harassed all the female candidates," she revealed.

The methods varied; some were asked to remove their pants and other inappropriate acts under the pretext of ensuring that applicants were not LGBT.

"The actual interview questions about the position being applied for were very brief, probably just a formality. Imagine, in this economy, job hunting is already difficult, but then you encounter a predatory HRD official like this—that’s really heartbreaking," she said.

She said she wants to report the official but lacks strong evidence.

Meanwhile, the job vacancy at the company is still open on the job search application.

Kompas.com has confirmed with the account owner that this event happened to her and her friend.

She named the logistics company as PT HLI, located on Indrapura Street, Pabean Cantian District, Surabaya.

Kompas.com is currently seeking clarification from the company regarding this matter.