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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Alarming: Rise in Harassment at Islamic Boarding Schools in Central Java

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Central Java's Deputy Speaker Sarif Abdillah condemned recent sexual violence cases in Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) in the province.
  • Abdillah called for self-reflection and improvement within the pesantren system to prevent future incidents.
  • The provincial government is collaborating with religious organizations to provide education on preventing sexual violence.

Sarif Abdillah, Deputy Speaker of the Central Java Provincial Council, has expressed deep concern and condemnation over a series of sexual violence cases reported within Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren or ponpes) across the province. Abdillah stated his personal disagreement with and condemnation of these incidents, emphasizing the need for the pesantren system to address and rectify these issues.

I personally do not agree and condemn those incidents.

— Sarif AbdillahResponding to the rise in sexual violence cases in Islamic boarding schools.

Throughout 2026, several allegations of sexual abuse by pesantren caretakers against female students have surfaced in Central Java. Cases have been reported at institutions including Ponpes Ndolo Kusumo (Pati), Ponpes Al-Jaelani (Semarang), Ponpes Al Anwar (Jepara), Padepokan Padang Ati (Pekalongan), Ma'had Adzimul Qur'an Al Anfas (Demak), Ponpes Fathul Ulum (Banjarnegara), and Ponpes Salafiyah Futuhiyah (Grobogan).

Abdillah stressed that such acts are inappropriate and unacceptable. He noted that his political party is actively involved in outreach efforts to strengthen pesantren communities and educate both students and caretakers about the severity of sexual violence. The provincial government is also working informally with Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah (RMI) to deliver educational programs aimed at preventing such occurrences.

We hope that the pesantren will improve themselves on how to prevent these things from happening again.

— Sarif AbdillahExpressing concern and calling for reform within the pesantren system.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Central Java, Sumarno, has reportedly discussed the issue with the Minister of Religious Affairs. Sumarno suggested that pesantren operating without permits should be regulated or closed. He conveyed these concerns to the Minister during a recent event, highlighting the need for regulatory improvements concerning pesantren institutions. Both officials stressed the importance of collective awareness to ensure these incidents are not repeated, preserving the integrity of the pesantren system.

We push continuously for understanding regarding this. Meaning, this is an important part, a shared awareness, that this kind of thing should not happen again.

— Sarif AbdillahDiscussing educational efforts and the need for collective awareness to prevent sexual violence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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