Firm and Fair Handling of Sexual Violence Case at Pati Pesantren Urged

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi emphasised that the legal process must run alongside the comprehensive fulfilment of victims’ rights in the sexual violence case at a pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java.

“We urge law enforcement authorities to handle this case firmly, transparently, and justly,” said Minister PPPA Arifah Fauzi in Jakarta on Monday.

Her side highlighted the implementation of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS).

Furthermore, given that the sexual violence occurred when the victims were still children, the use of the Child Protection Law as a legal instrument is also considered important to impose aggravated penalties on the perpetrator.

“The use of Article 45 of UU TPKS makes it very possible for investigators to immediately detain the suspect. This is crucial to prevent potential intimidation of victims, minimise the risk of the suspect fleeing, and ensure the smooth progress of the entire legal process,” said Arifah Fauzi.

“The handling of this case must prioritise the best interests of the victims. We also extend our appreciation to the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women’s and Children’s Protection (UPTD PPA) in Pati Regency, which has conducted outreach, psychological examinations, and accompaniment for the victims and their families since the case was reported in July 2024,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi.

Previously, there were allegations of molestation against dozens of female students by the kiai of Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency.

The victims are generally still in junior high school, from Year VII to IX.

Some of them are orphans or children from poor families who rely on free education at the pesantren.

Pati Police have named a kiai with initials AS as a suspect. However, even though he has been designated as a suspect, AS has not yet been detained.