Minister Clarifies Pesantren and Kiai Definitions and Standards

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) will improve the governance of religious education by clarifying the definitions and standards for Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) and kiai, as part of efforts to strengthen the prevention of violence in religious educational environments. “We will strictly define what is meant by a pondok pesantren, because many are simply naming themselves pondok pesantren. A kiai must also have pillars (criteria). We do not want negative things to happen due to misunderstandings,” said Minister of Religious Affairs Prof KH Nasaruddin Umar in a statement in Jakarta, Monday (13/7/2026). The Minister said this step is necessary so that the public can have certainty regarding educational institutions that meet the provisions, have good governance, and are able to provide protection to students. The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque invited pesantren caregivers and leaders of educational institutions to build a culture of openness in dealing with issues of violence against children. According to him, openness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a form of responsibility and courage for the institution to improve itself. “An institution that dares to improve itself is a dignified institution. Covering up problems does not save a reputation. It only delays a deeper wound,” said the Minister. In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will maximise the role of the Majelis Masyayikh. This independent body has a strategic role in maintaining and improving the quality of pesantren education, as well as drafting comprehensive regulatory instruments. This standardisation does not only target curriculum or institutional legality, but also the behaviour of managers and teachers. The Minister emphasised that legal and moral rules within the pesantren apply absolutely to everyone.