POWER RELATIONS AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL: ASSESSING CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN INDONESIA

This study examines the phenomenon of sexual violence against children that occurs in Islamic boarding schools in Semarang City, with a focus on identifying factors that influence the occurrence of sexual violence as well as prevention and handling efforts made by various related parties. This research aims to uncover the causes of sexual violence in Islamic Boarding Schools, including the social, cultural, and structural factors that enable such violence to occur. The results showed that sexual violence is often triggered by the imbalance of power relations between caregivers and students at traditional Muslim schools, lack of adequate supervision, and a closed culture in Islamic Boarding Schools that hinders reporting and handling of sexual violence cases. In addition, this study also identified the role of the Department of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in efforts to prevent and protect victims. This research emphasizes the importance of children’s rights education, stricter internal supervision, and more comprehensive policy changes in addressing sexual violence in Islamic Boarding Schools. Through thorough analysis, this research is expected to provide insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and the community to improve the protection of children in Islamic Boarding Schools and create a safe and supportive environment for the moral and intellectual development of students at traditional Muslim schools.