Ahmad Luthfi on Sexual Violence in Islamic Boarding Schools: 'Such Cases Have Always Existed'

Governor of Central Java (Jateng) Ahmad Luthfi commented on several cases of alleged sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) in his region in recent times. The former Jateng Police Chief stated that an evaluation is needed to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“Such incidents have always existed in ponpes,” Luthfi said when asked about sexual violence cases in Jateng’s ponpes following his attendance at the 76th anniversary of Fatayat NU’s founding at Gedung Gradhika Bhakti Praja in Semarang on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

However, he added that such cases should not be immediately blamed on the respective ponpes. He stressed the need for joint evaluation to prevent sexual violence incidents in ponpes from recurring.

“This is necessary so that ministries, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders can be informed and address the issues, preventing repeated incidents that could tarnish the reputation of these institutions,” Luthfi said.