LPSK strengthens protection for victims of sexual violence in Pati
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is strengthening measures to protect victims of alleged criminal acts of sexual violence (TPKS) at Pondok Pesantren Tahfidzul Qur’an Ndholo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java.
This reinforcement is being carried out through direct outreach, assessments, and cross-institutional coordination.
LPSK Deputy Chairman Wawan Fahrudin stated in Jakarta on Friday that proactive steps are being taken to ensure that victims and witnesses receive legal protection and are encouraged to provide testimony in the judicial process.
“LPSK has proactively engaged in this TPKS case in Pati. We are ready to provide protection to witnesses and/or victims so that they are bold in revealing the case. LPSK has also coordinated with relevant parties in processing applications to LPSK, including facilitating restitution,” Wawan said.
The LPSK team conducted outreach on 6-7 May 2026, coordinating with Pati Police Resort, the Integrated Service Unit for Women and Children Protection (UPTD PPA) in Pati Regency, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pati Regency, up to the Pati Regency Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) and its autonomous bodies.
In this process, LPSK also assessed victims and witnesses to ensure the fulfilment of rights, including security protection, confidentiality of identity, legal assistance, psychological services, and restitution for victims.
The suspect in the case is AS (51), the founder of Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo. Based on information gathered by LPSK, the suspect is alleged to have exploited power relations and religious pretexts to manipulate victims and build compliance among the female students.
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 pesantren or subjected to physical violence.
According to the victims’ legal representatives, the number of victims is estimated at 30 to 50 female students, most of whom are minors and SMP students. However, to date, only some victims have provided official statements to law enforcement authorities.
LPSK also found indications of intimidation, threats of counter-claims, and invitations to settle out of court against victims and witnesses, which are seen as potentially obstructing the legal process.
Additionally, LPSK obtained information regarding alleged payments of money to the victims’ companions to halt the case. This situation is said to affect the victims’ courage in continuing the legal process.
Based on coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pati Regency, the pesantren’s operational permit has been revoked since 5 May 2026, and the students have been facilitated to transfer to other schools or pesantrens.
“Next, LPSK together with relevant agencies will conduct assessments and strengthening for the students so that they are brave to become witnesses or report the criminal acts they have experienced,” Wawan said.