Religious Authority and Sexual Violence

Sexual violence against female santri (students) in Indonesian pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) remains a deeply entrenched yet often silenced issue, exacerbated by patriarchal power structures and religious authority. These santri typically range in age from early adolescence to late teens, with many entering pesantren as young as 12 or 13 years old, which heightens their vulnerability to coercion and abuse by teachers (ustadz) and kyai who hold considerable religious and disciplinary authority. This study critically investigates the diverse coercive modalities engaged by perpetrators, archetypally pesantren leaders such as kyai, ustaz, or their relatives, to exploit religious legitimacy and institutional power for sexual manipulation. Based on an analysis of media reports and survivor accounts, the study identifies fourteen distinct coercive tactics, including appeals to spiritual blessings (berkah), virginity tests, false promises of marriage, financial incentives, threats, and manipulations grounded in religious myths or doctrinal obedience. These tactics serve to justify abuse, compel victim compliance, and prevent disclosure, thereby perpetuating cycles of silence and impunity within pesantren environments. The complexity and multiplicity of these modalities highlight how sexual violence in pesantren is not only a personal crime but also a systemic problem linked to the abuse of religious authority and gendered power relations. This research accentuates the crucial need for legal reforms, institutional accountability, and culturally sensitive interventions to protect santri and dismantle abusive practices. By shedding light on these coercive strategies, this article contributes to broader discussions on gender-based violence in religious educational settings in Indonesia, aiming to promote securer, more equitable pesantren communities.