LPSK Ready to Protect Victims of Molestation at Pati Islamic Boarding School, Allegations of Intimidation
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is prepared to provide protection to victims and witnesses in the case of sexual molestation against several female students at an Islamic boarding school (ponpes) in Pati Regency, Central Java.
“LPSK has proactively engaged in this TPKS case in Pati. We are ready to provide protection to witnesses and/or victims to embolden them in revealing the matter,” said Deputy Chairman of LPSK, Wawan Fahrudin, in a press statement on Friday (8/5/2026).
According to him, the protection prepared by LPSK includes security, confidentiality of identities, legal assistance, and psychological support for victims and witnesses.
In addition, LPSK has coordinated with relevant parties to process protection requests, including facilitating restitution for victims.
In handling this case, the LPSK team has coordinated with Pati Police Resort, the Child and Women Protection Integrated Service Unit (UPTD PPA) of Pati Regency, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pati Regency, as well as the Pati Regency Branch Management of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) and its autonomous bodies.
In this case, the suspect with initials AS (51), the founder of Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo, is alleged to have used influence, power relations, and religious arguments to manipulate perceptions and build compliance among the victims.
Based on information gathered by LPSK, several victims reported being contacted via WhatsApp messages in the late night to early morning hours to accompany or massage the suspect.
Victims who refused were reportedly threatened with expulsion from the boarding school and even subjected to physical violence.
The alleged sexual violence is suspected to have occurred in several locations within the boarding school environment.
Based on statements from the victims’ legal representatives, the number of victims is estimated at 30 to 50 female students, most of whom are minors and junior high school students.
However, to date, only some victims have provided official statements to law enforcement authorities.
Based on coordination with the Child Protection Unit of Pati Police Resort, AS was designated as a suspect on 28 April 2026 and detained on 7 May 2026.
The suspect is charged under Article 76E in conjunction with Article 82 of Law No. 17 of 2016 on Child Protection, Article 6 letter c in conjunction with Article 15 paragraph (1) letter e of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes, and Article 418 paragraphs (1) and (2) of the Criminal Code.