Rampant Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions: PBNU Says Legal Enforcement Alone Not Enough

Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Central Board, KH Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, commonly known as Gus Fahrur, has highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment cases in educational institutions, including Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), in recent times. He stated that these incidents must serve as a serious warning for all parties to strengthen early prevention systems.

“Prevention cannot rely solely on legal enforcement after incidents occur, but must begin with building healthy social, cultural, and educational systems from an early age,” Gus Fahrur said in a statement on Friday, 29 May 2026.

He explained that Islamic teachings have established strong preventive principles to uphold human dignity and prevent sexual misconduct, including setting boundaries for interactions between males and females from a young age.

According to Gus Fahrur, in Islamic educational traditions, including pesantren, the separation of dormitories and regulation of interactions are not acts of discrimination but are measures to ensure safety, comfort, and collective dignity.

“In many Islamic educational traditions, including pesantren, dormitory separation and interaction regulations are not due to discrimination but as a precautionary measure (ihtiyath) to safeguard safety, comfort, and collective dignity,” he added.

Gus Fahrur reminded that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also taught the importance of guarding one’s gaze and avoiding khalwat, or seclusion between unrelated men and women. He cited Allah’s verse in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32 of the Quran:

“Do not approach zina; indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.”

He noted that this verse indicates Islam prohibits not only zina but also any actions that bring one closer to committing it.