Commission VIII proposes task force for prevention and handling of sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Muhamad Abdul Azis Sefudin, has proposed that the government form a Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Pondok Pesantren, involving ministries/agencies and local governments.

“This task force is essential to ensure that case handling proceeds quickly, in a coordinated manner, and is victim-oriented. There must be no more victims who feel alone or afraid to report,” said Abdul Azis Sefudin in Jakarta on Monday.

He made this statement in response to the case of sexual violence against dozens of female students at a pondok pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java.

According to him, the emergence of this case indicates that the issue of sexual violence in religious educational institutions has reached a worrying level.

The PDI Perjuangan politician stressed the need for collective efforts across ministries and agencies to comprehensively resolve this issue.

“This is no longer just case by case, but shows a recurring and systemic pattern. The state must not lose to sexual offenders, especially those occurring in educational spaces like pesantren. We need extraordinary measures,” said Azis.

“So far, the handling has seemed partial and slow. Victims often do not receive maximum protection, while the legal process is lengthy. This must be changed with a more integrated approach,” said Azis.

According to him, the existence of the task force would also serve as a prevention instrument through supervision, education, and the establishment of a safe and accessible reporting system for the students.

“If we are serious about eliminating these cases, then being reactive only when cases emerge is not enough. There must be a strong prevention system, strict supervision, and massive education in the pesantren environment,” said Azis.

Previously, hundreds of people from the Aliansi Santri Pati untuk Demokrasi (Aspirasi) stormed the Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency, Central Java, on Saturday (2/5).

This action was carried out because residents were angry over allegations of sexual harassment committed by a pesantren caregiver against dozens of his female students.

Meanwhile, the Pati Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that it has instructed the cessation of new student admissions and is considering revoking the operational permit of the religious institution.