Indonesia Education Sector Faces Sexual Abuse Cases

Muhammadiyah leader Haedar Nashir warned that recent sexual harassment allegations at several Yogyakarta higher‑education institutions – including Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and Universitas 'Aisyiyah – must be addressed without compromise. He called for transparent legal procedures, strict enforcement of campus policies and a firm commitment from all Indonesian educational bodies to protect students.

The Central Java regional office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs reported eleven cases of sexual abuse by pondok pesantren caretakers against santriwati between January and July 2026. One pesantren in Pati, Ndholo Kusumo, had its operating licence revoked and its founder, Ashari bin Karsana, was named a suspect. Authorities warned that other unlicensed pesantren could also face closure if further abuse occurs.