Weak Oversight Triggers Sexual Violence in Educational Institutions, Says House Committee Chair
The Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Hetifah Sjaifudian, has emphasised that the recurrence of sexual violence cases in educational institutions is not merely a matter of regulatory loopholes. She maintains that the root of the problem lies in the weak implementation of oversight in the field.
“For us, the recurrence of sexual violence cases within the educational environment demonstrates that the challenges lie not only in the regulatory aspects but also in implementation, supervision, reporting culture, and victim protection mechanisms,” Hetifah stated when contacted on Sunday (7/6/2026).
This statement comes in response to emerging allegations of sexual violence at an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in the Tenggarong Seberang area, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. Eleven female alumni have reported alleged sexual harassment perpetrated by the head of the boarding school over several years.
Hetifah is urging concrete steps to strengthen prevention systems across all educational units. According to her, the existence of regulations will be ineffective without being accompanied by strict supervision and support systems for victims.
She proposed three strategic steps to break the chain of violence:
Strengthening prevention and supervision systems in all educational units.
Providing safe and easily accessible reporting mechanisms.
Ensuring robust victim protection and recovery processes.
Regarding cases occurring in religious educational institutions, Hetifah reminded that the government already possesses specific legal frameworks. There are three primary regulations serving as the foundation for handling violence within pesantren environments, namely: the Criminal Code (KUHP), the Child Protection Law, and the Law on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS).
Although Commission X of the DPR RI is not a direct partner of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hetifah emphasised that protecting the nation’s children is a cross-sectoral responsibility. She urged that the case in Kutai Kartanegara be investigated thoroughly with a victim-centric perspective.
“Every allegation of violence, including sexual violence, must be investigated thoroughly, favouring the victim, while ensuring adequate recovery and protection,” she concluded.