Central Java Declares Sexual Violence Emergency in Islamic Boarding Schools, 7 Cases in 2 Months

PROVINSI Jawa Tengah is currently in a state of emergency regarding sexual violence within religious educational institutions. In the span of just two months, seven cases of molestation and sexual harassment at Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) have been revealed to the public. This phenomenon has prompted the Central Java Provincial Government to take firm action by issuing a Circular (SE) on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence Cases within the ponpes environment. Based on monitoring up to Tuesday (30/6/2026), 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 were allegedly perpetrated by caregivers against female students who should have been under their protection and guidance. Data gathered shows a pattern of sexual violence occurring in religious educational institutions across various regions. Women’s activist Nur Laela Hafizah from the Legal Resources Center for Gender Justice and Human Rights (LRC-KJHAM) asserted that the situation has reached an emergency level. She urged the government to ensure that all educational institutions, without exception, become safe spaces for children and women. According to Nur Laela, the high number of cases now coming to light is a positive side effect of increased public literacy regarding sexual violence. She noted that massive campaigns and education on victims’ rights are beginning to bear fruit in the form of courage to report. Responding to the surge in cases during May and June, the Central Java Provincial Government acted swiftly. Plt Head of the Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AKB) of Central Java, Faisa Mukti Septyani, stated that the SE on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence Cases would be issued immediately. The issuance of this SE is based on existing legal frameworks, namely the Regional Regulation (Perda) on Islamic Boarding Schools and the Central Java Governor Regulation (Pergub) on Islamic Boarding Schools. The main focus of this policy is to strengthen prevention and handling mechanisms. Faisa added that coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and local governments is crucial, especially to regulate unlicensed religious educational institutions that continue to operate and accommodate students.