Hope for a Turning Point in the Pati Case: Reforms for Pondok Pesantren

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The case of sexual violence that occurred at a pondok pesantren (ponpes) in Pati Regency, Central Java, underscores the importance of comprehensive reform of ponpes. The incident triggered a wave of public calls for ponpes to conduct a fundamental evaluation of governance and monitoring systems. This event is expected to become a turning point for pesantren to demonstrate their seriousness in creating a safe educational space for male and female santri. In response to this urgency, the Government together with the House of Representatives (DPR), the police, and representatives of pondok pesantren signed a joint commitment for the Gerakan Pesantren Anti Kejahatan Seksual. The signing took place at the National Meeting of Pondok Pesantren, organised by the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Grand Mercure Hotel, Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Monday evening, 18 May 2025. First, to reject all forms of violence, harassment, and sexual crimes within the pesantren environment under any pretext. Second, to reaffirm that the relationships among caretakers, managers, teachers, and santri should be based on compassion and moral guidance, not manipulation or intimidation. Third, to open safe reporting channels for victims, implement a victim-centred approach, respond with firm internal sanctions, and bring cases to positive law without concealing them in the name of protecting a reputation. Fourth, to build synergy among ministries or agencies, and between ministries/agencies and pesantren through state policy to facilitate pesantren in realising a safe, friendly and gender-responsive learning environment. Fifth, to involve public participation to strengthen pesantren that are transparent, professional, accountable, and open to oversight by any party to maintain public trust. In line with the commitment, President Prabowo Subianto also supported reforms of pesantren. The Chairman of PKB and simultaneously Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) stated that the President is committed to reforming the infrastructure of pesantren.