RMI-NU Jakarta: Stop Normalising Sexual Violence in Pesantren

The Jakarta Regional Board of the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic Boarding School Association (PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta) has expressed deep concern over statements from several parties suggesting that sexual abuse or sexual violence is a ‘common’ occurrence in pesantren, particularly those affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama. KH Rakhmad Zailani Kiki, Chairman of PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta, asserted that such statements are unjustifiable and risk harming victims, their families, students, and the many boarding school caretakers who uphold integrity, as well as the wider public who place their trust in pesantren as centres of education, moral development, and the protection of human dignity. ‘Sexual violence is not pesantren culture. Sexual violence is not a pesantren tradition. Sexual violence is a criminal act and a grave violation of Islamic values, humanity, and education,’ he said. He explained that pesantren have historically been built upon the values of compassion, adab (propriety), respect for humanity, and protection of the vulnerable. Therefore, any form of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse of power relations, or gender-based violence is diametrically opposed to the values of pesantren and the teachings of Islam. He noted that normalising sexual violence only produces three dangerous outcomes: silencing victims and making them afraid to report, protecting perpetrators and strengthening a culture of impunity, and destroying public trust in the pesantren institution. Kiai Kiki explained that PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta urges the entire Nahdlatul Ulama community to distinguish clearly between defending the pesantren and protecting perpetrators of crime. He argued that preserving the honour of pesantren is not achieved by covering up cases, blaming victims, or considering sexual violence as normal. On the contrary, the honour of pesantren is maintained through the courage to acknowledge problems, protect victims, improve systems, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.