1,117 Violence Cases in Pesantren, Kiai Strengthen Child Protection System

The rising number of violence cases within pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) has prompted kiai and school leaders from across Indonesia to strengthen child protection systems. The commitment emerged during the Multaqa Ru’asa’ al-Ma’ahid forum held at Al-Amien Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, East Java, on 11-12 June 2026. Committee chairman and Deputy Secretary of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Pesantren Commission, Gus Faried Muttaqin Iskandar, revealed that in 2025 there were 1,117 cases of violence in pesantren environments out of a total of 91,813 child violence cases nationwide. He noted, however, that cases occurring in pesantren often receive greater public scrutiny than similar incidents elsewhere. “Based on 2025 data, there were approximately 1,117 cases of violence in pesantren environments out of a total of 91,813 child violence cases in Indonesia. Yet it is the cases in pesantren that frequently become the focus of public attention,” Gus Faried stated in a press release received on Saturday (13/6/2026). He assessed that high public expectations of pesantren mean every incident attracts widespread attention. Therefore, pesantren must continuously strengthen student care while more actively communicating the good practices and contributions they have made to society. “If we do not actively convey positive information about pesantren, public trust could be eroded. In fact, pesantren are safe, comfortable, and conducive places for the growth and development of Indonesian children,” he said. The forum, themed “Strengthening Pesantren as a Fortress of Child Protection and Guardian of Morality and Character for Indonesian Children,” also affirmed that all forms of violence must not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Kediri, KH Marsudi Syuhud, stated that bullying, physical violence, psychological violence, and sexual violence must be viewed as serious issues requiring collective attention. “Every child is a trust. They come to the pesantren environment to be guided, protected, and prepared to become a generation that is knowledgeable, of noble character, and beneficial to society,” he said.