Arrest of Perpetrator in Pati Case Marks Turning Point to End Sexual Violence in Islamic Boarding Schools
Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi views the arrest of the suspect in the sexual violence case against female students at a pondok pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java, as an important momentum in breaking the chain of sexual violence in pesantren.
“The arrest of the suspect is evidence that society does not tolerate violence occurring in educational environments. This aligns with the mandate of Article 72 of Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection regarding the role of society in child protection services,” said Minister PPPA Arifah Fauzi in Jakarta on Saturday.
Her side also appreciates the active role of society in supporting the acceleration of the legal process in this case.
“Protection of women and children is a collective effort. The courage of society to speak out and monitor the sexual violence case in Pati is a great strength for us all,” said Arifah Fauzi.
This step becomes the top priority to ensure victim protection from perpetrator intimidation while ensuring comprehensive and thorough trauma recovery.
“Societal support strengthens the Ministry of PPPA’s efforts in victim assistance and protection. We are also coordinating with the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the review of the pesantren’s operational permit. The safety and comfort of other students must be an absolute guarantee,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi.
Previously, there were allegations of molestation against at least 50 female students by the founder and leader of Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo, Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency, Central Java.
The victims are generally still in junior high school, classes VII to IX.
Some of them are orphans or children from poor families who rely on free education at the pesantren.
Pati Police determined the perpetrator, initialled AS, as a suspect. However, AS repeatedly failed to attend investigator summonses.
Investigators then pursued the suspect who was suspected of fleeing from Central Java to West Java and Jakarta.
Investigators finally succeeded in securing the suspect in Wonogiri, Central Java, on Thursday (7/5).