PBNU Launches National Movement for Safe and Child-Friendly Pesantrens

Pasuruan, Jawa Timur - Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) through its Anti-Violence Unit (Saka) Pesantren is holding a roadshow for the National Movement for Safe and Child-Friendly Pesantrens across four provinces to strengthen student protection and prevent violence in pesantren environments.

Alissa Wahid, Chair of PBNU’s Saka Pesantren, stated in Pasuruan on Monday that the inaugural roadshow took place at Al Yasini Islamic Boarding School in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, with activities including awareness campaigns, consolidation of pesantren caregivers, and training for ustaz (male religious teachers), ustazah (female religious teachers), musyrif (male supervisors), musyrifah (female supervisors), and students.

“This movement addresses the urgent need to strengthen prevention and response systems for violence in pesantren settings, while affirming that pesantren are safe, welcoming, and educational spaces for all students,” Alissa said.

During the event held on 1-2 June 2026, participants received training on tarbiyah jinsiyah (sexual education), media literacy, and child protection-based caregiving to foster safe and conducive learning environments.

Alissa explained the initiative aims to help pesantrens establish effective internal mechanisms for early detection, handling, and reporting of abuse cases.

In addition to East Java, similar activities will be held in Lampung, West Java, and Central Java, targeting approximately 4,400 participants from host and surrounding pesantrens.

“This movement is not merely ceremonial, but a collective effort to ensure pesantrens remain safe, comfortable, and dignified spaces for students to pursue knowledge and build their future,” said Hodri.

The series of activities will conclude with the reading of Nine Safe Pesantren Actions, a joint declaration, and a commitment signing to realise safe, comfortable, dignified, and child-friendly pesantren environments.