In mid-October 2025, the public was stirred by the airing of a private television program that explored the realities of life in an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in East Java. The program, titled Xpose Uncensored and broadcast on October 13, 2025, on Trans7, featured footage depicting practices in Pesantren Lirboyo, Kediri, which were perceived as discriminatory. The episode highlighted behaviors considered unusual, such as students having to squat while receiving milk and the practice of giving “envelopes” to religious leaders (kiai). However, the show’s delivery was seen as overly casual and infotainment-oriented, making the sensitive issue appear to be treated carelessly. This impression was reinforced by its sensational headline: “Even Drinking Milk Has to Be Done While Squatting, Is This What Life in a Pesantren Is Like?” Previously, the program was known as Selebrita Expose and focused on celebrity lifestyles, but its orientation has recently shifted toward trending social issues (Yahya & Dicky, 2025).
Following the broadcast, waves of criticism arose from various parties, particularly from the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). PBNU Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf stated that the program had insulted and humiliated pesantren and respected figures within Nahdlatul Ulama (Attar, 2025). Similar criticism came from religious scholars and students across Indonesia, who viewed Trans7’s narrative as demeaning to pesantren values and potentially shaping negative public perceptions of religious institutions. The backlash also spread across social media, marked by the trending hashtag #BoikotTrans7. In response to the controversy, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) imposed a temporary suspension on Xpose Uncensored, citing a violation of Article 6 of KPI Regulation No. 01/P/KPI/03/2012 concerning the Broadcasting Code of Conduct (Ira, 2025).
The issue, however, did not end there. Like a domino effect, the controversy escalated into widespread protests across several regions. On October 15, 2025, hundreds of Nahdlatul Ulama members from the Jakarta regional branch (PWNU DKI Jakarta) held a demonstration in front of the Trans7 headquarters in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta. The protest demanded a public apology and a review of the station’s production practices. Interestingly, similar demonstrations took place in other locations that netizens considered misguided. For instance, protests were held in front of Trans Studio Mall Bandung on October 16 and at the Bank Mega office in Bogor on October 20. Both demonstrations were motivated by the fact that these entities operate under the same corporate umbrella, Transcorp.
Although Trans7’s Production Director, Andi Chairil, publicly apologized to the leadership of Pesantren Lirboyo, tensions did not immediately subside. The situation intensified after a video of a speech by Ainul Yakin Simatupang, Commissioner of PT Transjakarta and Chairman of GP Ansor Jakarta, circulated widely on social media. In the video, Ainul expressed his anger toward Trans7 staff using threatening language, saying he would “slit their throats” like Banser members had once done to PKI members (Abdurrahman & Hamdi, 2025). Meanwhile, YouTuber Stevanus Revaldo also faced backlash after discussing the controversy on his channel. His video, which was viewed as overly sympathetic to Trans7, prompted an angry response from Banser members, who later visited his home (Argus, 2025).
From a communication studies perspective, this case illustrates the complex relationship between media, the public, and religious institutions. Both sides bear responsibilities that warrant reflection. From the pesantren’s side, practices that appear discriminatory or excessively reverent toward certain figures should be critically examined and addressed. As educational institutions, pesantren have a moral duty to foster safe, egalitarian, and nurturing environments. However, it is also important to avoid overgeneralization, as many pesantren alumni have shared positive experiences that contradict the program’s portrayal.
On the other hand, Trans7’s approach also deserves criticism. Addressing social issues has little value without adherence to journalistic ethics and cultural communication sensitivity. In communication theory, this phenomenon can be analyzed through the concept of framing, which refers to the way media “frame” social realities to shape audience perceptions. Framing can introduce bias and reinforce negative stereotypes toward certain groups. Therefore, media institutions should act as balanced conveyors of information rather than mere producers of sensational content.
The Trans7 and Pesantren Lirboyo controversy serves as a valuable lesson on how media power can influence public opinion and trigger widespread social reactions. In this context, media organizations must reaffirm their role as reliable providers of accurate information and promoters of healthy public communication. This responsibility aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Specifically, target 16.10 emphasizes ensuring public access to accurate information and protecting fundamental freedoms in accordance with national regulations and international standards. By upholding credibility, neutrality, and accountability, media outlets can contribute to the development of a peaceful, just, and civilized society.
References:
Abdurrahman, S., & Hamdi, I. (2025). Komisaris Transjakarta Disorot karena Orasi “Gorok Leher” di Kantor Trans7. Tempo; PT Tempo Inti Media. https://www.tempo.co/politik/komisaris-transjakarta-disorot-karena-orasi-gorok-leher-di-kantor-trans7-2081637
Argus, A. A. (2025). Youtuber Stevansyoung Didatangi Banser Usai Bikin Konten Bahas Trans7 dan Pesantren yang Lagi Viral. Tribun-Medan.com. https://medan.tribunnews.com/news/1764712/youtuber-stevansyoung-didatangi-banser-usai-bikin-konten-bahas-trans7-dan-pesantren-yang-lagi-viral
Attar, H. (2025). PBNU Protes Keras Tayangan Trans 7, Gus Yahya: Tayangan Itu Hina Pesantren dan Tokoh yang Dimuliakan NU. NU Online. https://nu.or.id/nasional/pbnu-protes-keras-tayangan-trans-7-gus-yahya-tayangan-itu-hina-pesantren-dan-tokoh-yang-dimuliakan-nu-83Mfr
Ira. (2025). KPI Vonis Xpose Uncensored Trans7 Sanksi Penghentian. Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia. https://kpi.go.id/id/umum/38-dalam-negeri/37916-kpi-vonis-xpose-uncersored-trans7-sanksi-penghentian
Yahya, R. A., & Setyawan, D. (2025). Apa Itu Acara Xpose Trans7 & Nasibnya Usai Konten Pesantren. Tirto.id. https://tirto.id/apa-itu-acara-xpose-uncensored-trans7-nasibnya-usai-konten-pesantren-lirboyo-hjF3
Communication Perspective Article Vol #6