KPAI Reminds Public Not to Disseminate Identity of Sexual Violence Victims at Pesantren in Pati

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has reminded the public not to disseminate the identities of child victims in the sexual violence case at one of the pesantrens in Pati, Central Java. “We also urge that the children’s identities are not spread, especially those of the child victims,” said KPAI Chair Aris Adi Leksono to Kompas.com via text message on Wednesday (6/5/2026). He also cautioned that the process of transferring the victims to other educational institutions should prioritise the victims’ rights. The basic principles of child protection must be the top priority to ensure the victims’ identities remain protected and they can continue their education comfortably. One approach, according to Aris, is through psychological assessments to support the fulfilment of children’s rights. “Especially in recovery and other social assistance,” he emphasised. It was previously reported that the alleged molestation case against dozens of female students at one of the pesantrens in Pati Regency has advanced to the investigation stage. Pati Police Chief Kombes Pol Jaka Wahyudi stated that a kiai named Ashari was named a suspect on 28 April 2026 following a case review. The case was actually reported as early as 2024, while the molestation of the victims is alleged to have occurred since 2020. However, the police claimed that the handling process after the 2024 report was delayed due to attempts at family-style resolution from the victims’ side.