Ministry of Religious Affairs Prepares Pesantrens to Accommodate Santriwati from Padang Ati Padepokan in Pekalongan

PEKALONGAN – The acting head of the Pekalongan Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), Moh Irkham, stated that at least five pesantrens have been prepared to accommodate santriwati from Padang Ati Padepokan. Activities at the padepokan have been halted following allegations of sexual violence against santriwati by the caretaker.

Irkham explained that Padang Ati Padepokan exclusively houses santriwati, numbering around 350, with education levels ranging from elementary madrasah to senior high school madrasah.

According to Irkham, Kemenag Pekalongan Regency is currently focused on ensuring these santriwati can continue their studies. “We have instructed nearby pesantrens and requested parents to allow religious education to continue at other pesantrens as they have been studying there for a long time,” he said during an interview on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

He added that five pesantrens are ready to accommodate the santriwati from Padang Ati Padepokan. “Four are within Pekalongan Regency and one outside the regency, with management confirming readiness to accept students from the padepokan,” he said.

However, Irkham noted that the decision to relocate the santriwati to the prepared pesantrens remains with the parents or guardians. “The authority lies with each student’s parents or guardians—whether to stay home, be accompanied by parents temporarily, or continue at a pesantren,” he explained.

Irkham also stated that specific instructions have been given to the pesantrens prepared to receive the santriwati. Kemenag Pekalongan Regency has requested that the institutions provide special care and supervision for the transferred santriwati.

“This is to prevent emotional distress. When children are with other santri, especially after hearing such news, they are likely to be questioned. We want their mental state to recover so they can study in peace,” Irkham said.