Sis Seto Criticizes Closed System At Islamic Boarding School: There Are Parents Who Complain That They Can't Communicate With Their Children

Illustration - Police stand guard in front of Ponpes Shiddiqiyyah Ploso during an attempt to arrest Moch Subchi Azal Tsani (MSAT) (ANTARA/Syaiful Arif)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) Seto Mulyadi criticized the closed system of Islamic boarding schools. The potential for sexual and psychological violence is so vulnerable.

"I criticize the closed system of Islamic boarding schools, where parents cannot visit or meet. Now, it's dangerous. Children, both students and female students, can become victims," said Seto, Monday, July 11.

The statement from the man who is called Kak Seto was in response to the cases of sexual and psychological crimes at the Islamic boarding school which were finally revealed. The pesantren system is closed, it is difficult to carry out supervision and it is difficult for students to report if they experience problems.

He often received reports from parents who "placed" their children in Islamic boarding schools, unable to communicate with their sons or daughters for a long time. Even if psychological or sexual violence is suspected, the victim is threatened not to report it.

"Maybe now only a little (which has been revealed). Maybe you are threatened if you report that you have sinned. Including other pressures," he said.

According to him, efforts to prevent psychological and sexual violence must be addressed holistically. Protection of children must involve RT/RW, village residents, institutions, and ministries, they cannot stand alone.

On the one hand, it is also necessary to install CCTV in educational institutions, both formal and religious in nature, in order to make it easier for parents to monitor the development of their children during their education.

He gave an example if something happens to their children, which is marked by changes in behavior or daily patterns, then parents can monitor it directly. Including can be evidence for the police in the event of sexual violence.

"That's the importance of prevention. Families are brave to report, the community is brave, the media is brave to raise it, and law enforcement officers are included in this case the state," he said.