Sexual Violence Prevention in Pesantren: Institutional Ecosystem Approach to Religious Authority Misconduct in Trenggalek Regency

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the dynamics of sexual violence in pesantren and formulate a context-specific prevention framework. A qualitative case study conducted in 2024 in Trenggalek Regency, Indonesia, collected data through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and focus group discussions with religious leaders, law enforcement officers, academics, representatives of Islamic organizations, and government officials. Data were analyzed using an interactive qualitative analysis model. The findings reveal three major dimensions. First, perpetrators exhibit characteristics of spiritual leader misconduct, exercising charismatic authority without observable social dysfunction. Second, the motives align with the sensation-seeking theory, in which asymmetrical power structures facilitate deviant sexual behavior. Third, the abuse operates through the abdi ndalem system, creating structural isolation of victims and reinforcing institutional dependency, corresponding to the wanderer typology. These findings demonstrate that sexual violence in pesantren is not merely an individual deviance but is structurally embedded in charismatic domination and institutionalized obedience. This study contributes a novel prevention model based on a three-pillar ecosystem integrating institutional reform, leadership transformation, and comprehensive sexuality education. This study contributes to the development of research on sexual violence in religious educational institutions by demonstrating that sexual violence in Pesantren is rooted in institutional power dynamics, rather than merely individual deviance, while also offering a contextual, three-pillar ecosystem model for the governance of student protection.