Jakarta NU Pesantren Association: Stop normalizing sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools

The Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (RMI-NU) in Jakarta has issued a strong statement condemning any suggestion that sexual harassment or violence is a common occurrence within Islamic boarding schools, especially those under the Nahdlatul Ulama umbrella. The association expressed deep concern over recent statements implying such issues are "normal" in pesantren.

KH Rakhmad Zailani Kiki, Chairman of PW RMI-NU DKI Jakarta, asserted that these claims are unacceptable and harmful to victims, their families, students, reputable pesantren leaders, and the wider community that trusts these institutions for moral education and human dignity. "Sexual violence is not a pesantren culture. Sexual violence is not a pesantren tradition. Sexual violence is a criminal act and a grave violation of the values of Islam, humanity, and education," he stated.

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Sexual violence is not a pesantren culture. Sexual violence is not a pesantren tradition. Sexual violence is a criminal act and a grave violation of the values of Islam, humanity, and education.

Kiki explained that pesantren have historically been founded on principles of compassion, good manners, respect for human beings, and protection for the vulnerable. Therefore, he argued, any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse of power, or gender-based violence is fundamentally contrary to pesantren values and Islamic teachings. He warned that normalizing sexual violence would silence victims, protect perpetrators, foster impunity, and erode public trust in pesantren institutions.

The RMI-NU DKI Jakarta urged the entire Nahdlatul Ulama community to clearly distinguish between defending pesantren and protecting criminals. Kiki stated that preserving the honor of pesantren is not achieved by concealing cases, blaming victims, or accepting sexual violence as commonplace. Instead, he argued, the pesantren's integrity is upheld by courageously acknowledging problems, protecting victims, reforming systems, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable under the law.

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The honor of pesantren is not maintained by covering up cases, blaming victims, or considering sexual violence as something ordinary. Instead, the honor of pesantren is maintained by the courage to admit problems, protect victims, improve systems, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable according to the applicable law.