Management Practices in Pesantren: Addressing Child Abuse within Traditional Frameworks

Abstract

This study addresses the high incidence of child abuse within pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). The primary aim is to evaluate the role of pesantren as institutions in preventing such violence. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing the interactive model of data analysis comprising data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification, as developed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The participants include students (santri), alumni, teachers (ustadz), and pesantren management. The findings reveal three key insights: 1) the forms of violence occurring in pesantren, which include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; 2) the factors contributing to the occurrence of violence, such as the absence of a robust monitoring system, entrenched seniority practices, the recruitment of teachers without psychological evaluation, inadequate sanctions and law enforcement, and the lack of an accessible reporting mechanism for students; and 3) the measures taken by pesantren to protect children from violence, which include minimizing the role of senior students, raising awareness among teachers, establishing a reporting system, and formulating agreements with students and parents. These findings highlight the presence of violence within pesantren, which is often perpetuated by a misguided paradigm among pesantren administrators who regard such practices as a component of the educational process for students.