The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has taken a strategic step by promoting the implementation of reproductive health education in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). This step is deemed crucial as a preventive effort to reduce sexual violence cases while improving the health status of students (santri) across Indonesia.
This initiative is realized through the Halaqah (Discussion Forum) on the Implementation of Reproductive Health Education for Santri, initiated by the Nahdlatul Ulama Family Benefit Movement (GKMNU). The event, which brought together pesantren leaders from West Java and Central Java, took place at the KHAS Kempek Pesantren, Cirebon, West Java.
PBNU Chairperson for Community Welfare, Alissa Qatrunnada Wahid, stated that the rise in violence cases, particularly sexual violence in religious educational institutions, serves as an important alarm. Therefore, preparing a friendly and safe pesantren ecosystem through a proper understanding of reproductive health is absolutely necessary.
According to Alissa, enforcing legal regulations alone is not enough to break the chain of sexual violence. Pesantren must build awareness early on through education, so that students can understand bodily boundaries and manage their reproductive health responsibly.
She also regretted that there is still a stigma and misconception in society that equates reproductive health solely with sexual intercourse. In fact, this education covers a broad spectrum, ranging from personal hygiene, adolescent growth and development, to self-protection from potential sexual crimes.
