Kiai at Pekalongan Islamic Boarding School Abused Dozens of Female Students Since 2008 Using Massage as Pretext
A religious school leader identified as AKF (50) in Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, was arrested by police over allegations of sexually abusing female students. Authorities say the alleged sexual violence dates back to 2008.
“Today, we have secured the suspect, who is reportedly one of the founders of an Islamic boarding school within the jurisdiction of Pekalongan City Police, with the institution located in Pekalongan Regency,” said Pekalongan City Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariandi on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
Six Victims Have Come Forward
To date, at least six victims have reported the abuse to police. The victims are said to come from various regions, including Pekalongan, Batang, Pemalang, and Semarang.
“Other victims and witnesses have also come forward, including former students from Pemalang, Batang, Pekalongan, and even Semarang. I counted approximately six victim-witnesses,” Riki said.
Riki explained the case was difficult to uncover initially as victims were reluctant to report due to alleged intimidation and fear. Police then engaged in outreach to encourage them to come forward.
“Victims previously feared reporting due to threats from the suspect or other students. Our officers conducted outreach to give them the confidence to speak up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gus Thuba Topo Broto Maneges, head of the Yakuza Maneges organisation, said his group has received reports from many more victims.
“The actual number of victims is around 23 to 25, but only six have dared to file reports,” he said.
“Victims have been afraid to report due to pressure and threats. The suspect allegedly exploited the power dynamic between teacher and student under the guise of obedience to the kiai or ustaz,” he added.
Abuse Spanned 2008 to 2025, Victims Aged 17 to 30s
The victims’ legal representative, Ahmad Fauzi, stated most alleged sexual assaults occurred when victims were minors. The youngest was 17, while the oldest was in their 30s.
“Most of the reported incidents occurred before the victims turned 18,” Fauzi said.
According to victim testimonies, the alleged abuse spanned nearly 20 years, from 2008 to 2025.
“Incidents occurred from 2008 to 2025. In 2008, one victim was just 14,” he added.
Regarding why victims hesitated to speak or report, Ahmad Fauzi cited psychological pressure as the main factor.
“Due to psychological trauma. Sexual violence victims often view it as a stigma, especially when the perpetrator is a respected religious figure,” he said.
Massage Modus Operandi
Pekalongan Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariandi explained the alleged abuse was not only verbal but also physical.
“Physical abuse occurred. During questioning with the Deputy Police Chief, all witnesses confirmed physical sexual violence,” Riki said.
Riki noted victims were fearful of reporting. Police also revealed the suspect’s method of abuse.
“They were afraid because the kiai or ustaz are seen as elders or fathers,” he said.
“The modus operandi was this: while staying at the boarding school, the students were asked to give massages, creating secluded opportunities for abuse,” Riki added.
Suspect Charged
The Islamic boarding school leader, AKF (54), has been formally named a suspect in the sexual violence case against female students. The suspect was charged after 12 hours of intensive questioning.
Pekalongan City Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Setiyanto stated the suspect was charged after police gathered sufficient evidence.
“We have obtained two pieces of evidence, so the suspect has been formally charged today,” Setiyanto told reporters at Pekalongan City Police HQ on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
The evidence includes witness statements, expert testimony, and the victims’ clothing as physical evidence.
“The two pieces of evidence are witness statements, expert testimony, and the victims’ clothing worn during the incidents,” he said.
Following the charge, AKF was detained. He faces charges under Article 6(c) of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS), which carries a maximum 12-year prison sentence for physical sexual abuse involving abuse of power or victim vulnerability.