Indonesian Islamic boarding schools strengthen child protection amid rising violence cases

Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren, across Indonesia are bolstering their child protection measures in light of an increase in violence cases within their communities. This commitment was solidified during a forum of pesantren leaders held at Al-Amien Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, East Java, from June 11-12, 2026.

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Based on 2025 data, there were approximately 1,117 cases of violence that occurred in the pesantren environment out of a total of 91,813 cases of violence against children in Indonesia. However, the cases that occur in pesantren often receive more public scrutiny.

According to Faried Muttaqin Iskandar, the organizing committee chairman and deputy secretary of the Indonesian Ulema Council's Pesantren Commission, data from 2025 recorded 1,117 cases of violence within pesantren environments. This figure is part of a larger national total of 91,813 cases of violence against children in Indonesia. Iskandar noted that cases occurring in pesantren often attract greater public scrutiny compared to similar incidents elsewhere.

Iskandar attributed the heightened public attention to the high expectations society places on pesantren. He stressed the need for these institutions to not only strengthen their student care but also to proactively communicate their positive practices and societal contributions. "If we do not actively convey positive information about pesantren, public trust can erode. Yet, pesantren are safe, comfortable, and conducive places for the development of Indonesian children," he stated.

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If we do not actively convey positive information about pesantren, public trust can erode. Yet, pesantren are safe, comfortable, and conducive places for the development of Indonesian children.

The forum, themed "Strengthening Pesantren as a Fort of Child Protection and a Guardian of Children's Morality and Ethics," unequivocally declared that all forms of violence are unacceptable. Kediri Deputy Mayor KH Marsudi Syuhud echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that bullying, physical violence, psychological abuse, and sexual violence must be treated as serious issues requiring collective attention. He added, "Every child is a trust. They are present in the pesantren environment to be guided, protected, and prepared to become generations with knowledge, noble character, and beneficial to society."

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Every child is a trust. They are present in the pesantren environment to be guided, protected, and prepared to become generations with knowledge, noble character, and beneficial to society.