PBNU: Isolated Sexual Violence Cases Do Not Represent Indonesia's Pesantren Reputation

PBNU Vice Secretary General Ma’shum Faqih stated that sexual violence cases in some pesantren do not represent the overall reputation of Indonesia’s pesantren. Ma’shum made the statement in response to recent high-profile sexual violence cases at pesantren, arguing these incidents should not be used to judge all institutions. “Isolated cases do not represent Indonesia’s pesantren reputation. If there are violations, perpetrators must be punished. However, pesantren as educational institutions should not be stigmatised,” Ma’shum Faqih stated on Saturday (30 May). He urged the public to act fairly and avoid generalising the thousands of pesantren that have significantly contributed to education and community development. Ma’shum stressed that sexual violence is a crime that can occur in any environment, and therefore, prevention systems, victim protection, and legal enforcement against perpetrators must be strengthened. Nevertheless, he called for legal action against any pesantren staff involved in sexual violence. “Pesantren must not be a safe haven for sexual violence perpetrators. Instead, they should be safe and nurturing environments for students to learn and grow,” he said. He also urged all pesantren to strengthen governance and student protection systems to boost public confidence in the institutions. “The significant contributions of pesantren in educating millions of the nation’s children must not be overshadowed by the actions of a few individuals deviating from pesantren values,” said the member of the Majelis Masyayikh of Langitan Pesantren in Widang, Tuban.