PERSIS Condemns Recurring Cases of Sexual Abuse by Individuals Claiming to Be Religious Figures
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG – The Central Leadership of Persatuan Islam (PP PERSIS) has issued a statement of deep sorrow and concern regarding the proliferation of news and reports on the occurrence and recurrence of sexual abuse cases by individuals claiming to be religious figures or teachers.
According to the General Chairman of PP PERSIS, DR KH Jeje Zaenudin, these incidents inflict profound traumatic wounds on the victims. Moreover, they have a severely negative impact and harm the reputation of religious leaders and institutions.
“We strongly condemn all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation, and immoral acts carried out by individuals who claim or are regarded as religious figures, teachers, or spiritual leaders,” said Jeje in the statement on Thursday (7/5/2026).
Such actions, he stated, are not only grave sins but also betrayals of the trust in knowledge, as well as destructions of the image of scholars and Islamic educational institutions. The perpetrators are outliers who must not be considered representatives of any religion or Islamic institution.
This is because Islam is a religion of nobility and honour. There is no place for perpetrators of sexual crimes who exploit religious symbols, positions, or authority. There is no immunity or sanctity for anyone. Every Muslim, including ustaz, kiai, and spiritual leaders, is obligated to adhere to sharia, noble morals, and the laws of the state.
“Therefore, we demand firm, transparent, and impartial enforcement of the law against the perpetrators. We reject all forms of defence in the name of ‘the dignity of pesantren/majelis’, forced amicable settlements, or customs that harm the victims.”
Jeje encouraged the police to handle reports professionally and protect victims without discrimination. He also called on the Muslim community to avoid two extremes in practising religion.
Namely, a dogmatic-mystical approach to religion that opens opportunities for exploitation of followers, and conversely, a liberal approach that disregards the fundamental principles of Islam, leading to the corruption of manners and the authority of knowledge.
He called on all Muslims to hold firmly to the Quran and Sunnah, and to return the methodology of religion to the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad, the companions, and the righteous predecessors from generation to generation.
Furthermore, to practise Islam with evidence, sound reason, and good manners, and to eliminate false beliefs that foster excessive personality cults, thereby opening avenues for deviations in creed and morality under the guise of religion.
Every Islamic educational institution, including pesantren, madrasah, and majlis taklim, he said, must have standards for the safety of students/congregants, with teacher-student interactions controlled by clear rules, guidance or counselling processes not conducted in khalwat (seclusion between non-mahram opposite genders), and supervision carried out by organisational structures and the community.