PBNU: Do Not Judge Thousands of Pesantren by Actions of a Few Sexual Abusers

The Indonesian Ulema Council (PBNU) has called for a nuanced approach to cases of sexual violence occurring within Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren. PBNU stated that the actions of a few individuals should not lead to the condemnation of the thousands of pesantren across Indonesia that have historically served as centers for moral education and the development of religious scholars.

KH Ma’shum Faqih, Deputy Secretary General of PBNU, stressed the importance of objectivity and avoiding negative stigma against these educational institutions. He asserted that while perpetrators of sexual violence must face legal consequences, the pesantren as an institution, which has contributed significantly to the nation, should not be collectively judged. "Thousands of pesantren cannot be measured by the actions of a few individuals. If there is a violation, the perpetrator must be punished. But, the pesantren as an educational institution that has served the nation must not be judged along with them," Gus Ma'shum stated.

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Thousands of pesantren cannot be measured by the actions of a few individuals. If there is a violation, the perpetrator must be punished. But, the pesantren as an educational institution that has served the nation must not be judged along with them.

PBNU affirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence and expressed full support for legal proceedings against offenders. Simultaneously, the organization is committed to reinforcing internal student protection systems within pesantren. The responsibility for such violations rests with the individuals who transgress ethical and legal standards, not with the pesantren as an entity.

Gus Ma'shum, who is also a member of the Majelis Masyayikh Pondok Pesantren Langitan Tuban, highlighted that every institution faces challenges. However, he emphasized the need to differentiate between institutions functioning effectively in education and individuals committing offenses. "Pesantren should actually be the safest place for students. Therefore, prevention, supervision, and protection of students must continue to be strengthened," he added.

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Pesantren should actually be the safest place for students. Therefore, prevention, supervision, and protection of students must continue to be strengthened.