Highlighting the Pati Ponpes Molestation Case, Gus Salam: The State Must Provide Recovery for Victims' Conditions

Jakarta – KH Abdussalam Shohib, or Gus Salam, has highlighted the alleged molestation case involving dozens of female students at a pondok pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java. He stressed that the government must provide protection to the victims and their families. “Dozens of victims from low-income families, some of them orphans. The government must and immediately provide comprehensive protection to the victims and their families,” said Gus Salam in a written statement on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. Gus Salam also expressed his deep concern regarding the molestation case. He highlighted the impact suffered by the victims. He assessed that the government, through its programmes, must be able to revive their spirit to continue schooling and achieve their aspirations. Furthermore, there is a need for programme schemes for the economic recovery of their families. “The deep concern is not only felt for the victims and families. The pesantren community is also deeply affected by the actions of such individuals. But as mentioned, we demand that the state and government are obliged to be present for them with protection and recovery of the victims’ and their families’ conditions,” he said. Gus Salam stated that incidents damaging the image of pesantrens like in Tlogosari, Pati, are not just one or two times. He admitted to finding many cases of violence and harassment in pesantren environments. “The Tlogosari tragedy in Pati and similar incidents must become a momentum for pesantrens and Nahdlatul Ulama organisations at all levels to introspect so that similar incidents do not recur,” said Gus Salam. “Pesantrens like ours must act reflectively. Realising shortcomings, finding gaps in weaknesses so that we can improve them as best as possible for the service of knowledge and future generations. That is fully mandated,” he continued. He realised that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has sufficient tools and resources to assist pesantrens through Rabithah Ma’ahid Indonesia (RMI) in addressing weaknesses and developing innovations in pesantren services to the students and pupils. “RMI NU can proactively help prepare instruments for NU pesantrens to monitor progress in providing services to students and the community,” said Gus Salam. “As long as NU also prioritises serving pesantrens, through RMI it can prepare systems, procedures, as well as accompaniment efforts in aligning changes for pesantren advancement,” he added.