Central Java Declares Sexual Violence Emergency in Islamic Boarding Schools, 7 Cases in 2 Months
Central Java is currently in a state of emergency regarding sexual violence within religious educational environments. In the last two months, seven cases of molestation and sexual harassment in Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) have been revealed to the public. This phenomenon has prompted decisive action from the Central Java Provincial Government, which is promptly issuing a Circular Letter (SE) concerning the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence Cases within the ponpes environment.
Based on monitoring up to Tuesday (30/06/2026), the distribution of these cases covers various strategic areas in Central Java, ranging from Pati, Jepara, Demak, Pekalongan, Semarang Regency, Semarang City, to Banjarnegara. Ironically, the majority of these cases are alleged to have been committed by staff members against female students (santriwati) who should be under their protection and guidance.
Data collected shows a pattern of sexual violence occurring in religious educational institutions across various regions. Nur Laela Hafizcal, a female activist from the Legal Resources Center for Gender Justice and Human Rights (LRC-KJHAM), emphasised that the situation has entered the emergency category. She urged the government to ensure that all educational institutions, without exception, must be safe spaces for children and women.
According to Nur Laela, the high number of cases revealed currently is a positive side effect of increasing public literacy regarding sexual violence. Massive campaigns and education regarding victims’ rights are beginning to yield results in the form of increased courage to report crimes.
Responding to the surge in cases during May and June, the Central Java Provincial Government has taken swift action. The Acting Head of the Central Java Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AKB), Faisa Mukti Septyani, stated that the Circular Letter on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence Cases will be issued shortly.
The issuance of this Circular Letter is based on existing legal frameworks, namely the Regional Regulation (Perda) on Ponpes and the Central Java Governor Regulation (Pergub) regarding Ponpes. The primary focus of this policy is to strengthen monitoring and provide clear mechanisms for handling reports.
Faisa added that coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) and local governments is crucial, particularly to regulate religious educational institutions that operate without permits yet continue to accommodate students.