Many Orphans Become Victims of Abuse at Ndholo Kusumo Pesantren, Deputy Governor: They Are Intimidated

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG — The Deputy Governor of Central Java (Jateng), Taj Yasin Maimoen or Gus Yasin, has encouraged male and female students in Jateng to boldly speak out if they experience violence, including sexual violence, in the environment of Islamic boarding schools (ponpes). His comments relate to the case of alleged molestation by a caregiver at Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo in Pati Regency.

Gus Yasin revealed that, based on information he received, the case of alleged molestation and sexual violence at Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo has been reported since 2024. He appreciated the parties who continue to monitor the revelation of the case. He encouraged the alleged victims to be brave in speaking out.

According to Yasin, cases of violence, including sexual harassment, often occur in educational environments, not limited to ponpes. He believes that for such cases to be uncovered, the victims must dare to speak up.

“They must be brave to speak, speak up, so that it can be handled,” said Yasin when interviewed in Semarang City, Thursday (7/5/2026).

Yasin stated that the Central Java Provincial Government has frequently held socialisation and counselling activities to prevent and address practices of violence in educational environments. However, reflecting on the case in Pati, such incidents can still occur.

“We do not deny that there are still rogue elements who, begging forgiveness, like the incident the other day, have been going on for a long time (the sexual violence case), and it turns out the pesantren is mostly attended by orphans. They are intimidated; if they do not follow the rogue element’s instructions, they will be replaced,” said Yasin.

“Therefore, this is what we must build, so that they are brave to speak up regarding those problems,” added Yasin.