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[Author’s Note: This analysis is based on the seminal report and data from Komnas Perempuan (The National Commission on Violence Against Women).]
Indonesia’s pesantren—Islamic boarding schools that hold an important place in the nation’s religious and educational landscape—are grappling with a deeply troubling and largely hidden crisis.
According to data from Komnas Perempuan, sexual violence in pesantren occurs at rates three times higher than in regular schools. This disturbing reality exposes urgent systemic problems within these institutions, which are meant to be safe spaces for religious learning and moral guidance.
Between 2015 and 2021, approximately 16 percent of all reported cases of gender-based violence in educational settings happened inside pesantren. Only universities reported more such cases, highlighting pesantren as a particularly vulnerable environment for students. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable, considering the trust that families and communities place in these boarding schools.
Why Are Pesantren So Vulnerable?
Pesantren traditionally serve as more than just educational institutions. They are often close-knit communities where students live, study, and worship together under the guidance of religious teachers and elders. While this communal lifestyle can foster strong bonds and spiritual growth, it also creates complex power dynamics that can be exploited. Several critical factors contribute to the high prevalence of sexual violence in pesantren:
1. Lack of Proper Oversight and Regulation
Many pesantren operate with minimal formal supervision or regulation from governmental or independent bodies. This autonomy, while preserving religious freedom, often means there is insufficient monitoring of how students are treated. Without clear policies or accountability, abusive behavior can occur unchecked, leaving victims with little hope of justice or protection.
2. Inadequate Reporting and Protection Mechanisms
Students who experience sexual violence often face major obstacles when seeking help. Fear of stigma, disbelief, or retaliation can discourage them from reporting abuse. Moreover, pesantren frequently lack safe, confidential channels for victims to speak out or access counseling and legal assistance. This gap in support systems allows perpetrators to continue abusing without consequences.
3. Deeply Rooted Cultural and Gender Norms
Indonesia’s conservative culture, especially within religious communities, often perpetuates traditional gender roles and taboos around discussing sexual matters openly. These cultural attitudes contribute to the silence surrounding sexual violence, making it difficult for victims to be heard and believed. Victim-blaming or minimizing the abuse is a common challenge survivors face, compounding their trauma.
4. Power Imbalances Within School
Hierarchies Pesantren operate with hierarchical structures where authority figures—such as religious teachers (kyai), senior students, or school administrators—hold significant influence over younger pupils. Such power imbalances increase the risk of exploitation, as victims may fear confronting or accusing people who control their education, living conditions, or reputations.
The Broader Impact on Students and Communities
The consequences of sexual violence in pesantren extend far beyond individual victims. For young students, these abuses can lead to long-lasting psychological trauma, disrupted education, and diminished trust in both religious institutions and the broader educational system. Survivors may struggle with shame, isolation, and fear, often without adequate support to heal.
For communities, the issue threatens the reputation and integrity of pesantren, shaking the foundation of trust that families rely on when entrusting their children to these institutions. It challenges the perception of pesantren as safe and pious environments. The silence and denial around these problems also hinder wider societal progress in gender equality and violence prevention.
Urgent Need for Reform and Action
Addressing sexual violence in pesantren must become a national priority. It requires a comprehensive approach involving government agencies, pesantren leaders, educators, civil society, and communities to ensure the safety and rights of all students.
Key steps to combat this crisis include:
Strengthening Policies and Enforcement
Government regulations specific to pesantren should clearly define unacceptable behaviors, set standards for student protection, and mandate procedures for handling complaints.
Improving Awareness and Education
Regular training programs for pesantren staff and students can help build understanding about gender-based violence, consent, and brespectful behavior.
Establishing Support Systems for Victims
Confidential, accessible channels for reporting abuse should be created in all pesantren. Victims must have access to psychological counseling, legal assistance, and safe spaces.
Monitoring and Supervision
Independent bodies or community watchdogs can play vital roles in overseeing pesantren practices and ensuring compliance with child protection standards.
Engaging Communities and Families
Empowering parents and community leaders with knowledge and tools to advocate for children’s rights strengthens the protective environment.
Breaking the Silence for a Safer Future
Sexual violence in pesantren is a stark reminder that no institution, regardless of tradition or religious standing, is immune from abuse. The high rates highlighted by Komnas Perempuan show an urgent need to break the culture of silence and demand systemic changes.
Protecting children and young people from harm within pesantren safeguards their futures and honors the true mission of these schools—to nurture faith, knowledge, and moral character. It is time for a collective commitment to end sexual violence in pesantren, restore trust, and build environments where all students can learn and grow safely, with dignity and respect.
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Heba Abaya
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