Sexual Violence in Religious Schools Recorded in 27 Regions

jpnn.com, JAKARTA - At least 27 cities and regencies in Indonesia have recorded sexual violence cases that occurred in formal religious schools, according to the Education and Teachers Association (P2G).

The P2G noted that the 27 cities and regencies included Jombang, Bangkalan, Mojokerto, Trenggalek, Ponorogo, Lamongan, and Sidoarjo (East Java); Kubu Raya (West Kalimantan); Lebak and Tangerang (Banten).

There were also Bantul (Yogyakarta); Padang Panjang and Solok (West Sumatra); Aceh Tamiang (Aceh); Ogan Komering Ilir and Musi Rawas (South Sumatra); Bintan (Riau Islands); Tenggamus, Way Kanan, Tulang Bawang, and Pringsewu (Lampung).

In addition, similar cases have also occurred in Pinrang (South Sulawesi); Balikpapan (East Kalimantan); West Kotawaringin and Jembrana (Bali); Cianjur and Garut (West Java).

P2G teacher advocacy division head Iman Zanatul Haeri said that the data did not include sexual violence cases that occurred outside formal religious schools such as the case of a Qur'an teacher in Padang and Ternate against a dozen boys.

Iman said that victims of sexual violence in religious places were usually minors, or those under 18.

In fact, some were as young as 7 years old, as was the case in the Jembrana Islamic boarding school.

Generally, the sexual violence cases were committed several times in a period of more than one year.