Religious Leaders Are Also Human, They Need Oversight

The case of sexual violence involving a religious figure at a pesantren in Pati, Central Java, has once again shaken the inner world of the Indonesian public. There are said to be numerous victims.

Many people are angry, disappointed, and confused: how could someone who teaches morals and religion commit violence against those who should be protected?

However, perhaps the most important question is not just “why did it happen?”, but: why does society often realise it too late?

One answer lies in the way society views religious leaders.

In many cultures, religious figures are placed in a very high position—even almost beyond criticism.

They are seen as holy figures, guardians of morals, representatives of divine values.

As a result, there is a tendency to assume they are beyond the possibility of error. This is where the problem begins.

Yet, spiritual leaders, kiais, priests, pastors, monks, or any religious leaders remain human: they have drives/desires, weaknesses, ambitions, and even the potential to abuse power.

This statement sounds simple, but it is often difficult to accept socially. This is because society sometimes confuses respect with worship.

When respect turns into a cult, the space for criticism shrinks.

When criticism is seen as a sin, oversight disappears. And when oversight is absent, power can turn into abuse.

Cases of sexual violence in religious institutions show that the greatest danger lies not only in the individual perpetrator but also in a system that is too closed off.

Many victims do not dare to speak out for fear of being seen as opposing religion, opposing the teacher, or tarnishing the name of the institution.

Meanwhile, those around them often choose silence to preserve the “honour of the institution.”