Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ensures Protection and Support for Victims of Sexual Violence at Ponpes in Pati

JAKARTA – The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, stated that victims of sexual violence at a pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java, are entitled to protection, accompaniment, and psychological recovery.

Arifah said that the Ministry of PPPA is coordinating and providing oversight together with the local government, law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and related departments to resolve this issue.

“We ensure that the victims are protected, and we hope that the local government can strengthen socialisation regarding procedures when violence occurs, including sexual violence,” said Arifah in an official statement on Monday (4/5/2026).

“We express deep concern and empathy to the victims. We emphasise that the handling of this case must prioritise the best interests of the victims,” she added.

Arifah stated that the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women’s and Children’s Protection (UPTD PPA) in Pati Regency has conducted outreach, psychological examinations, and accompaniment for the victims and their families since the case was reported in July 2024.

“We urge law enforcement agencies to handle this case firmly, transparently, and justly,” she stressed.

She noted that the sexual violence occurred when the victims were still children, making the use of the Child Protection Law as a legal instrument important to impose harsher punishments on the perpetrators.

According to her, the application of Article 45 of the TPKS Law is highly feasible for investigators to immediately detain the suspects.

“This is crucial to prevent potential intimidation of the victims, minimise the risk of suspects fleeing, and ensure the smooth progress of the entire legal process,” Arifah explained.

The police stated that they have sufficient preliminary evidence to elevate the case to the investigation stage.

“The legal process has entered the investigation stage following the availability of witnesses and sufficient preliminary evidence,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation at Pati Police Resort, Kompol Dika Hadian Widyaama, on Friday (1/5/2026).

Previously, the investigation team had conducted a crime scene examination (TKP) at the pesantren complex.

This case was actually reported to the police as early as September 2025.

However, the handling process had progressed slowly until it regained attention after the victims inquired about the case’s development.

The victims are said to be female students at the junior high school level, from grades 1 to 3.