Gus Ipul: Ministry of Social Affairs Ready to Provide Assistance to Victims of Sexual Violence at Pati Islamic Boarding School

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Social Affairs Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf has strongly condemned the case of sexual violence allegedly committed by a pesantren official against female students in Pati Regency, Central Java.

He expressed disappointment while stressing that pesantrens should be safe spaces for moral and religious education, not misused for deviant acts.

“We are not just cautious; we strongly condemn it, we are disappointed, and we truly denounce the use of a pesantren as a cover,” Saifullah said in a press statement on Friday (8/5/2026).

The handling and support process is being carried out gradually through intensive communication with the victims and their families.

“We are having further discussions with their families and considering what support we can provide for empowerment. So, a team from the Ministry of Social Affairs is already there, and we are conducting the dialogue step by step,” he explained.

“We must protect these students, not just the victims but also the other students. We must provide protection to all, along with rehabilitation and empowerment,” he added.

In addition to initial support, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also preparing follow-up services to support the victims’ comprehensive recovery, including psychosocial and residential services.

Regarding the socio-economic conditions of the victims’ families, the Ministry of Social Affairs will coordinate with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) to conduct further assessments as a basis for policy interventions.

“We cannot measure it yet; we will report it to BPS for assessment. Insya Allah, we will know in the coming days,” he added.

He emphasised that many pesantrens in other areas continue to carry out their educational functions well.

“Let us all provide strict supervision and not generalise. Many pesantrens have earnestly educated their students,” he said.