In early February Twitter account @_haye_ owned by filmmaker Hasan Yahya went viral overnight after other netizens revealed that he has been committing sexual harrasments online through his Twitter account. 

It all started on 31 January, when Hasan co-hosted a Twitter Space discussing an expedition to explore Indonesia for one year. Those who join the exhibition will create content such as videos, photos and writings without being paid. 

The idea sparked a controversy which led to the debate in Twitter Space. The Space attendees revealed that people whose opinions happened to be different from Hasan’s were attacked by him. 

After the Space ended, Hasan decided to go on with the debate, mentioning @komuniche - a Twitter account who voiced different views during the Space forum - in his tweets. The tweets he posted contain sexual innuendos with demeaning tone. 

Netizens who saw the tweets claim that what Hasan did are considered sexual harrassment. Not long after, other women who also had experienced similar online harassment committed by Hassan started to post screenshots which prove the allegations. 

Netizens also mentioned how Hasan’s friends only turn a blind eye to Hasan’s wrongdoings.   Some of the names that were dragged along are Dandhy Laksono, Farid Gaban, Angga Dwimas Sasongko and Kalis Mardiasih - all are considered Hasan's inner circle. 

The controversy became deeper due to the fact that these names have declared themselves as the defenders of sexual violence victims and often raised their voice against sexual harassment on social media. However, in this case, they do not even bother to reprimand Hassan. 

Visinema founder and CEO Angga Dwimas Sasongko clarified this issue, given that Hasan is also a part of Visinema’s board of commissioner. Angga apologised on behalf of Hasan and said that he has investigated the case and has fired Hasan from his production house.

“[We will] no longer involve him [Hasan] in all activities and the company's agenda. The shareholders have agreed to it and it is currently being processed according to the applicable law,”  Angga tweeted on 3 February. 

Visinema on 23 February announced that Hasan Yahya has been officially removed from Visinema board of commissioner since 17 February. In the announcement, Visinema stated that this move indicates its effort to create a safe space for everyone working in Visinema. 

“Visinema also invites business actors and other industries to work together in raising awareness about the importance of taking a firm stand against perpetrators of sexual harassment, especially in the workplace,” Visinema stated in its tweet.