Kiai Langitan Asserts Pesantrens Must Not Tolerate Sexual Violence Perpetrators

KH Ma’shum Faqih of the Majelis Masyayikh at Langitan Pesantren in Widang, Tuban stated that Islamic boarding schools must not be tolerant spaces for sexual violence perpetrators. Instead, pesantrens should be safe environments for students while upholding moral values, protection, and ethical responsibility.

As Deputy General Secretary of PBNU, he said all forms of sexual violence are crimes that must be strictly punished regardless of the perpetrator’s status.

“Pesantrens are not tolerant spaces for sexual violence perpetrators. Anyone proven to have committed such violations must be processed according to applicable laws and regulations,” said Gus Ma’shum in a statement received on Monday (1 June 2026).

However, he cautioned the public against generalising pesantrens as institutions synonymous with sexual violence due to cases involving individuals in certain locations.

According to Gus Ma’shum, sexual violence can occur in various settings, including families, schools, universities, workplaces, and religious institutions. Therefore, the focus must be on holding perpetrators accountable and strengthening prevention systems.

“What must be fought is the crime and the perpetrator. Meanwhile, pesantrens as educational institutions must be strengthened to provide maximum protection for students,” said the former Deputy Secretary of the PWNU East Java Syuriyah.

Gus Ma’shum stressed that pesantrens have played a significant role in shaping the character, morals, and ethics of the nation’s generations. Millions of students have emerged from pesantren environments and contributed across various aspects of life.

Therefore, he deemed it inappropriate for the actions of a few individuals to be used as a basis for stigmatising pesantrens as a whole.

“The majority of pesantrens effectively carry out their educational and nurturing functions. We must approach this issue objectively and proportionally,” he added.

He added that PBNU continues to advocate for strengthened pesantren governance, including student protection systems and violence prevention mechanisms, to enhance public trust in these institutions.

“Pesantrens must remain safe, comfortable, and dignified homes for students. This is a trust that all pesantren stakeholders must uphold together,” Gus Ma’shum explained.