Sahroni Urges Polri and Kemenag to Form Anti-Sexual Violence Task Force at Pesantrens: Criminal Acts Under Religious Guise Must Be Severely Punished

A case involving a pregnant female student (initials N) in Pekalongan, previously claimed to have occurred due to a dream, has now been uncovered. Police have detained AKF (54), the head and caretaker of a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency. The arrest confirms the pregnancy resulted from sexual violence perpetrated by AKF. Pekalongan City Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariandi confirmed the arrest took place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

In response, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, has called on the National Police (Polri) and the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) to immediately establish a task force against sexual violence in pesantrens, demanding harsh punishment for the perpetrator.

‘I urge Polri and Kemenag to immediately form an anti-sexual violence task force for pesantrens as this is highly urgent. Cases like this can no longer be handled individually due to their widespread nature. We see patterns recurring across regions, and I believe many victims remain silent out of fear. The state must be more proactive in prevention, receiving reports, protecting victims, and punishing perpetrators,’ Sahroni stated on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Sahroni further emphasised that the perpetrator’s actions tarnish the reputation of pesantren institutions and the respected kiai (Islamic scholars) who are held in high regard by society for their knowledge and exemplary conduct.

‘There should be no defence for such depraved individuals. On the contrary, criminal acts disguised as religious acts must face harsher punishment. Kiai are revered for their knowledge and moral character; this reputation must not be tarnished by rogue elements,’ Sahroni said.