The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has vehemently condemned the alleged acts of sexual violence reported at an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in Pati, Central Java. The MUI views this incident not merely as a legal transgression, but as a profound betrayal of religious trust, educational responsibilities, and the faith of the community.
Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, Head of MUI’s Pesantren Affairs, emphasized that sexual violence, particularly when targeting minors, constitutes a grave crime that demands uncompromising action from all authorities.
“The use of religious claims, especially invoking prophecy or spiritual authority, to justify such reprehensible acts is a clear form of deviance and deception against the faithful,” he stated in a written declaration on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The MUI is urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently, ensuring that perpetrators receive the maximum possible punishment without any opportunity for impunity.
According to Rozi, the individuals responsible have severely damaged the integrity and reputation of pesantren and eroded public trust. Therefore, he asserted, there must be no protection or compromise whatsoever for the perpetrators.
“MUI also advocates for a comprehensive audit of governance and oversight systems within religious educational institutions, specifically addressing the power dynamics that exist between caregivers and students,” he added.
In its statement, MUI further underscored the critical importance of implementing robust and measurable student protection systems. This includes establishing independent reporting mechanisms, providing access to legal assistance, and ensuring the active involvement of external parties in oversight roles.
MUI calls upon all stakeholders to prioritize the comprehensive recovery of victims, safeguard their identities, and actively prevent any instances of re-victimization. “Trust in pesantren must be coupled with a critical attitude, transparency, and a strong commitment to student protection,” Fahrur Rozi affirmed.
The alleged sexual violence involving a caregiver at an Islamic boarding school in Pati Regency gained significant traction on social media after the Pati City Police escalated the case to the investigation phase. Reports indicate that the number of victims could range from 30 to 50 individuals, with incidents allegedly occurring between 2024 and 2026.
In response, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) announced its intention to revoke the operating license of the pesantren in question, identified as Ndolo Kusumo. Basnang Said, Director of Pesantren at Kemenag, confirmed that the revocation process would commence upon receiving a recommendation from the Pati Regency Government.
“After following the established procedures, a recommendation will be issued by the Pati Regency Ministry. This will then be followed up with the revocation of this pesantren’s license,” he stated when contacted on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to this article
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Summary
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has strongly condemned a sexual abuse case at an Islamic boarding school in Pati, Central Java, labeling it a serious betrayal of religious and educational trust. Authorities are calling for swift legal action and the maximum possible punishment for the perpetrators, who allegedly abused dozens of students between 2024 and 2026. In response to the severity of the crimes, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated the process to revoke the institution’s operating license.
To prevent future incidents, the MUI is advocating for a national audit of governance and oversight systems within religious educational institutions. They emphasize the need for robust student protection frameworks, including independent reporting mechanisms and greater external transparency. Furthermore, officials are prioritizing the recovery of victims while stressing that religious authority must never be used to justify abuse.