PBNU Speaks Out: No Tolerance for Sexual Predators
PBNU issues strong statement on student protection. The organisation insists Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) must not tolerate any sexual predators, serving as moral fortresses ensuring safety, protection, and full accountability for all students.
PBNU’s Deputy Secretary General, KH Ma’shum Faqih, stressed that sexual violence is a serious criminal offence that must be legally processed without exception.
“Pesantrens are no place for sexual predators. Anyone proven guilty must face legal consequences under applicable laws,” Gus Ma’shum told reporters in Jakarta on Saturday (30 May 2026).
He urged the public not to accept negative stereotypes about pesantrens in general, stating that isolated incidents involving individuals should not label the entire institution as violent.
Gus Ma’shum explained that sexual violence is a universal issue occurring in homes, schools, universities, workplaces, and other educational institutions. Public efforts should focus on enforcing the law against perpetrators and improving preventive systems on the ground.
“We must combat the crimes and criminals, while strengthening pesantrens to provide maximum protection for students,” said the former Deputy Secretary of PWNU East Java’s Syuriyah Council.
He recalled the significant role pesantrens play in shaping national morality and character, citing renowned figures like Syaechona Cholil, KH Ahmad Dahlan, Hadlratussyaikh KH Hasyim Asy’ari, and KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah.
“Unfair to let a few individuals’ mistakes undermine the credibility of thousands of other pesantrens. We must view this issue objectively and proportionally,” he added.
PBNU is committed to improving governance and protection systems within pesantrens to maintain public trust.
“Pesantrens must remain safe, comfortable, and dignified homes for students—a responsibility shared by all stakeholders,” Gus Ma’shum concluded.
AKF, accused of sexually harassing female students at Padepokan Padang Ati in Buaran, Pekalongan, Central Java, denied all allegations through his legal representative.
Central Java’s Pekalongan City Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit has gathered two pieces of evidence and held a case review for the sexual harassment case at Padepokan Padang Ati.
Hundreds of female students’ parents gathered at Padepokan Padang Ati in Simbang Kulon Village, Buaran District, Pekalongan, Central Java.
Sexual misconduct cases at two pesantrens in Central Java—Simbang Kulon, Pekalongan, and Ndolo Kusumo in Pati—show strikingly similar patterns.
Behind these cases lies a tragic story of a 22-year-old female student, identified as F, who became a public sensation due to her mysterious pregnancy.