First Trial of Sexual Violence Case Against Pati Islamic Boarding School Founder Held
The Pati District Court held the first hearing in the alleged sexual violence case against Ashari, the founder and caretaker of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu District, Pati Regency, on Tuesday (11/8/2026).
Based on observations at the scene, the atmosphere at the Pati District Court appeared busier than usual. Dozens of residents came to the courthouse to observe the proceedings. However, members of the public who attended were not permitted to enter the courtroom as the legal process was declared closed to the public.
Spokesperson for the Pati District Court, Retno Lastiani, explained that the agenda for the first hearing was the verification of the defendant’s identity and the reading of the indictment by the public prosecutor. “The trial is closed to the public in accordance with statutory provisions because it concerns a crime against decency,” said Retno.
The case, registered under number 115/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Pti, is presided over by a panel of judges chaired by Budi Aryono, accompanied by associate judges Wira Indra Bangsa and Dicky Syarifudin. In accordance with legal procedures for morality offences, the identity and initials of the victim are not published and the individual is referred to only as a witness.
During the hearing, the public prosecutor presented a combined or alternative indictment against the defendant Ashari.
The court has also coordinated with the local police to ensure the situation remains conducive given the concentration of crowds in the court area.
The victim’s lawyer, Ali Yusron, stressed that his side is demanding the maximum penalty for the defendant. According to him, the defendant’s actions have caused very severe psychological impact on the victim due to the alleged acts of rape committed.
“We are pushing for the application of an additional penalty in the form of chemical castration because the number of victims is estimated to reach dozens of people spread across several regions,” said Ali Yusron.