Government Urges Islamic Boarding Schools to Prevent Violence and Adapt to Digital Disruption

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno has said that violence against children can occur anywhere, including in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). The government is striving to build safe and comfortable spaces.

“This violence must be prevented. We must build safe and comfortable spaces so that Indonesian children can develop their potential optimally,” he said while attending a discussion with Rabithah Ma’ahid Islamiyah (RMI) of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and the PBNU Pesantren Violence Prevention Task Force (SAKA) in Yogyakarta on Friday, 17 July 2026, according to an official statement.

According to him, violence can reduce a child’s concentration and also has psychological and cognitive impacts. “There are many ways of disciplining children that do not involve violence,” he said.

One of the government’s efforts is the campaign for the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children, known as Gernas Rana. He recommended seven steps: carry out self-evaluation regarding the existence of protection systems and caregiver training, form child protection teams, develop child protection policies, and build child-friendly complaint systems.

Further steps include implementing continuous training, strengthening a culture of mutual care, and involving parents and the wider community in preventing and handling violence against children.

He also encouraged pesantren educational institutions to adapt quickly to technological disruption. Pesantren education must be able to respond to future challenges and opportunities, including addressing the disappearance of certain types of jobs and the emergence of new employment prospects.

“Otherwise, not only will people be left behind economically, but cultural and spiritual identity could also be eroded by digital technology and artificial intelligence,” he said.