RMI-NU Jakarta: Stop Normalising Sexual Violence in Pesantren
The Jakarta branch of the Rabithah Ma’ahid Islamiyah (RMI-NU) expressed deep concern regarding statements from several parties suggesting that sexual harassment or sexual violence is something that “commonly occurs” in pesantren, particularly within Nahdlatul Ulama-affiliated institutions.
KH Rakhmad Zailani Kiki, Chairman of PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta, asserted that such statements are unjustifiable and have the potential to hurt victims, their families, students, integrity-driven pesantren educators, and the wider community that trusts pesantren as centres for education, moral development, and the preservation of human dignity.
“Sexual violence is not part of pesantren culture. Sexual violence is not a pesantren tradition. Sexual violence is a criminal act and a severe violation of Islamic values, humanity, and education,” he stated.
He explained that pesantren have long been built upon the values of compassion, etiquette, respect for humanity, and the protection of the vulnerable. Therefore, all forms of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, the abuse of power dynamics, or gender-based violence are diametrically opposed to the values of pesantren and Islamic teachings.
According to him, the assumption that sexual violence is commonplace will only lead to three dangerous consequences: silencing victims and making them afraid to report; protecting perpetrators and strengthening a culture of impunity; and eroding public trust in pesantren institutions.
Kiai Kiki explained that PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta invites the entire Nahdlatul Ulama family to clearly distinguish between defending the pesantren and protecting criminals.
He assessed that maintaining the dignity of the pesantren is not achieved by covering up cases, blaming victims, or treating sexual violence as something ordinary. On the contrary, the dignity of the pesantren is maintained through the courage to acknowledge problems, protect victims, improve systems, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the applicable law.