Central Java pesantren sexual abuse cases prompt regulatory review

Provincial officials in Central Java say sexual‑abuse allegations against caretakers at a number of pesantren reveal an “ice‑berg” problem. The DP3AKB agency recorded 22 cases in pesantren between 2021 and 2026, and recent incidents have been reported in at least seven institutions, including Ponpes Ndolo Kusumo in Pati and Ponpes Al‑Jaelani in Semarang.

Deputy head of the provincial Women and Child Protection Office, Faisa Mukti Septyani, noted that media coverage of a single case has encouraged other victims to come forward. Provincial deputy speaker Sarif Abdillah condemned the assaults and called for stronger education of staff and students, while the provincial secretary, Sumarno, urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to tighten registration requirements for pesantren, warning that unlicensed establishments may be closed. The ministry has said it will act on the recommendations, and the local Islamic organization RMI is assisting with caretaker training.

The authorities are coordinating through district Women and Child Protection Units to receive reports and provide assistance to victims, signaling a coordinated response to prevent further abuse.