Identical Modus Operandi in Sexual Abuse Cases at Pekalongan and Pati Islamic Boarding Schools: Victims Massaged and Threatened

Sexual abuse cases affecting dozens of female students at two Islamic boarding schools in Central Java—Simbang Kulon in Pekalongan and Ndholo Kusumo in Pati—show an identical modus operandi. Police are investigating similarities in the methods and profiles of the perpetrators, who are influential figures within the respective institutions. Pekalongan City Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariandi stated that most victims are minors, powerless due to fear of the perpetrators, who are seen as role models, and psychological pressure in enclosed spaces. In Pekalongan, there are allegations that some victims became pregnant but are too afraid to report due to threats from individuals seeking to suppress the case. ‘We face difficulties because victims are too scared to come forward due to intimidation and threats,’ said AKBP Riki Yariandi. To prevent further psychological harm, police have set up complaint hotlines and safe houses for witnesses and victims. In Pati, the scale of the case is believed to be larger, with legal advisor Ali Yusron estimating 30 to 50 victims, though few have pursued legal action consistently. Suspect A, currently detained at Central Java Police Headquarters, allegedly offered victims jobs and financial incentives to stay silent. Ahmad Fauzi, legal advisor for six victims in Pekalongan, highlighted the perpetrators’ local prominence as a major barrier to victims speaking out, stressing the need for extensive legal and psychological support to break the cycle of sexual violence in religious educational settings. Police continue to urge affected students and families to report incidents through established channels, with guarantees of confidentiality and full security protection.