Kemenag marks 2026 Santri Day amid abuse concerns
This year’s observance comes as pressure builds to tighten dorm oversight after renewed scrutiny of bullying and sexual violence.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs held the 2026 National Santri Day ceremony in the courtyard of Kemenag headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday (22/10), under the theme “Santri Menguatkan Negeri Menuju Indonesia Emas”. The ceremony began at about 07.00 WIB and included readings of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Jihad Resolution and the Santri Pledge before remarks from Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar. At the same time, the commemoration also prompted calls for pesantren to tighten oversight of bullying, physical violence and sexual violence in dormitory settings. BKPRMI and activists from Gerakan Indonesia Berfitrah urged audits of santri room layouts, screening of supervisors and safe complaint channels for santri.