Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Urges Harsh Punishment for Sexual Violence Perpetrators in Pesantren

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs (Wamenag) Romo Muhammad Syafii has emphasised that there is no compromise for perpetrators of sexual violence. According to him, the state provides no space whatsoever for any form of violent practice, especially when it occurs in religious educational institutions.

This statement responds to the sexual violence case at Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java, where the pesantren caregiver has been designated as a suspect.

“We emphasise: no tolerance. No protection for perpetrators. Anyone involved will face the law and severe administrative sanctions,” said Romo Syafii in Jakarta on Monday, 4 May 2026.

Romo Syafii reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting santri from all forms of violence. The state does not tolerate violent practices in religious education environments. “Pesantren must be a safe and protective space. Any form of negligence or allowance of violence cannot be tolerated,” he stated.

According to him, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is taking swift and measured steps through cross-sector coordination with law enforcement agencies, women’s and children’s protection institutions, and local governments. The handling is comprehensive, covering legal processes, victim recovery, and strengthening childcare systems in pesantren environments.

As handling measures, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed the pesantren management to, first, temporarily halt new santri admissions until the case handling is declared complete and the child protection system is assessed to meet standards.

Second, deactivate parties suspected of involvement or negligence, and replace them with competent professional personnel in supervision and childcare. Third, implement comprehensive institutional governance improvements based on strict and measurable child protection standards.

Fourth, fully support the law enforcement process, including pushing for maximum sanctions if criminal acts are proven. “If not complied with, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will propose revocation of operational permits in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he asserted.

The Deputy Minister conveyed that this incident serves as a warning to all religious educational institutions to strengthen child protection systems and ensure safe educational environments.

“The Ministry of Religious Affairs is committed to overseeing the handling of this case to completion in a transparent and accountable manner, and ensuring protection for santri as the top priority,” said Romo Syafii.