Government Urged to Audit Systems in Islamic Boarding Schools Following Sexual Violence Case in Pati

JAKARTA - A member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Maman Imanulhaq, is urging the government to audit the child care systems in Islamic boarding schools.

This call is made to prevent the recurrence of sexual violence cases, such as the one that occurred at a pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java.

“A comprehensive audit of the child care systems in pesantren. Child protection standards must be implemented in all religious educational institutions, including the provision of safe reporting channels for male and female students,” Maman stated in his remarks on Friday (8/5/2026).

This is because prior to the Pati case, there was a sexual violence incident involving 17 students at a pesantren in Ciawi, Bogor.

“Institutions should not be generalised, but must undergo a total evaluation. Pesantren are educational institutions with a significant role and should not be punished indiscriminately due to the actions of individuals,” Maman said.

He firmly stated that sexual violence must not be allowed to erode public trust in pesantren.

“At the same time, it ensures that pesantren remain safe and dignified places for students. We also need sexual awareness education based on morals and transparency in the governance of religious educational institutions,” Maman added.

Furthermore, he emphasised that the perpetrator of the sexual violence against female students at the pesantren in Pati must receive severe punishment.

Severe punishment for perpetrators of sexual violence, Maman stressed, is already regulated under Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS).

“The perpetrator must be processed to the maximum extent of the law, including aggravated penalties in accordance with the TPKS Law. There must be no compromises, mediations, or internal resolutions,” Maman said.

Aggravated penalties should also be applied, considering that AS (51), the perpetrator who is the leader of the pesantren, had fled.

“The perpetrator must be heavily punished. If the pesantren is proven negligent or involved, its licence should be revoked. However, if not, what must be done is a total overhaul with strict supervision,” Maman said.

AS was designated as a suspect since Tuesday (28/4/2026), but immediately became a fugitive after failing to appear for examination on Monday (4/5/2026).

Police had suspected the suspect fled outside Central Java, but the perpetrator was eventually arrested in Wonogiri Regency.