Government urged to establish system to protect santri from sexual violence
KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono has called on the Ministry of Religious Affairs and pesantren community forums to establish an effective, accountable, and sustainable system to protect santri from sexual violence. This comes in response to recurring cases in religious boarding schools and dormitories.
Aris stated during a Thursday (28 May) interview that the system should include a tiered special task force from national to local levels and pesantrens, trained in child protection, with secure reporting channels and partnerships with external child protection agencies.
The commission urged the ministry to strengthen the implementation of Ministerial Decision No. 91 of 2025 on the Roadmap for Child-Friendly Pesantren Development. “We strongly condemn all forms of sexual violence, especially in religious boarding institutions, which should be safe spaces for character, moral, and child protection,” Aris said.
Recent allegations of sexual abuse against female students at Padepokan Padhang Ati in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, have drawn attention. The suspect, AKF, faces up to 12 years in prison for allegedly assaulting dozens of students since 2008. Activities at the facility have been halted.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs clarified that Padepokan Padhang Ati is not a licensed pesantren but an unauthorised padepokan. Pekalongan Police has opened a dedicated reporting desk for sexual violence cases and assured witness protection and safe housing.
KPAI demanded thorough, transparent investigations with a child protection approach, including checking for additional victims. Local governments must provide psychological support, social rehabilitation, legal aid, healthcare, and uninterrupted education for survivors without stigma. “Victim blaming must be avoided to prevent further trauma,” the commission added.
Director of Pesantren Affairs Basnang Said confirmed the ministry fully supports legal proceedings, while Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stressed prevention requires cultural change, stronger oversight, and child protection. The high regard for kiai figures often deters victims from reporting due to fear or hesitation.