Collective Action Needed to End Sexual Violence in Pesantrens

Sexual violence cases in several pesantrens have drawn widespread concern. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that legal enforcement alone is insufficient to break the cycle of abuse within religious educational institutions. He said collective action involving religious figures, community leaders, the government, and law enforcement is necessary to prevent recurrence.

‘Legal enforcement alone is not enough. We must sharpen and nurture each other. All community leaders need to be gathered to raise awareness and prevent such incidents from recurring,’ Luthfi said after attending the 76th anniversary of Fatayat NU at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building in Semarang on Saturday (30 May).

Luthfi stressed that criminal proceedings against perpetrators remain the police’s domain, but victim rehabilitation and improving protection systems in pesantrens require multi-stakeholder involvement. He confirmed coordination with Central Java NU Provincial Council Chairman KH Abdul Ghaffar Rozin to discuss preventive measures.

The government will involve relevant ministries, law enforcement, religious leaders, and community figures to strengthen oversight and build better protection systems for students, he added. ‘Sexual violence in pesantrens must be collectively evaluated. Such cases must not continue to recur,’ he said.

At the same event, Fatayat NU Central Java Chairperson Tazkiyatul Mutmainah affirmed her organisation’s commitment to leading efforts in protecting women and children. She said the courage of victims and communities to report abuse is crucial in breaking the cycle, particularly sexual violence.

‘We continue to educate the public to speak up when they witness, know of, or are victims of abuse. Especially sexual violence, as it is our shared responsibility,’ Tazkiyatul said. As Tegal Deputy Mayor, she also stated Fatayat NU Central Java’s readiness to oversee the Central Java Provincial Government’s programmes on women’s empowerment, protection, and child safeguarding.

KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono urged the Ministry of Religion and pesantren community forums to establish a protection system for students against sexual violence.

National Commission on Women Commissioner Yuni Asriyanti noted that victims of sexual violence in Lahat pesantren who have not reported incidents are in a vulnerable position.

The Ministry of Religion is preparing new regulations and rules for pesantren management to prevent sexual violence. A 2023-2024 study by PPIM UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on 514 pesantrens found 1.06% of Indonesia’s 43,000 pesantrens are vulnerable to sexual violence. Male santri were found more vulnerable (1.90%) than female santri (0.20%).