Founder Who Claimed Prophetic Descent Rapes Female Student, Pesantren in Pati Faces Sanctions

The founder of a pesantren in Pati, Central Java, with initials AS, has been designated as a suspect for allegedly raping a female student by posing as a descendant of the Prophet, thereby claiming his actions were halal. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has stopped new student admissions at the pesantren. “We have also written to the Central Java Kemenag Regional Office, recommending the temporary suspension of new student registrations at the concerned pesantren until all issues are thoroughly addressed and there is assurance that the childcare system, child protection, and institutional governance meet the established standards,” said Director of Pesantren, Basnang Said, quoted from the official Kemenag website on Monday (4/5/2026). He stated that Kemenag also recommends the immediate dismissal of educators suspected of involvement. Kemenag demands that the alleged perpetrator not reside in the pesantren environment. “If the pesantren does not comply, the Head of the Central Java Kemenag Regional Office may propose the deactivation of the pesantren’s registration certificate to the Directorate General of Islamic Education as evidence of the caregivers’ neglect of safe and friendly childcare,” Basnang added. Meanwhile, Acting Regent of Pati Risma Ardhi Chandra stated that the pesantren has been closed. The pesantren is no longer accepting new student registrations. “The closure has been carried out, and it is no longer accepting new students. For Year 6 classes, whether they will continue there or be evacuated elsewhere is under the authority of the Pati District Kemenag. Because activities are being conducted there to mitigate any urgent issues, ensuring that our students do not face problems, especially at the end of this semester,” Risma explained. Head of the Pati Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Ahmad Syaiku, noted that the suspect holds the status of founder. He said the suspect AS is not involved in the pesantren’s management. “The perpetrator is not part of the pesantren structure; the permit was obtained by AS, but he is not a caregiver or ustaz. His status is as the founder of the pesantren,” Syaiku said. Police have also summoned AS as a suspect. Police state that AS was designated as a suspect on 28 April. “Regarding the suspect designation, it was set on 28 April 2026; the next steps will involve summoning. We will then confirm the investigation and report it to the media and the public,” said Head of Operations of Pati Police Resort, AKP Dwi Atma Yofi Wirabrata.