Ministry of Social Affairs Assists Victims of Sexual Abuse in Pati Through Rehabilitation and Legal Aid

The Ministry of Social Affairs is overseeing the comprehensive recovery process for victims of sexual abuse that occurred at an Islamic boarding school in Pati Regency, Central Java.

Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, stated that the government stands with the victims and has coordinated with local authorities to implement protection, rehabilitation, and empowerment measures.

“We have agreed to take steps to help all the victims recover, while also considering the future of all the students at the Islamic boarding school so that they can continue their education,” said Gus Ipul in a statement on Friday, May 15, 2026.

In a meeting with several victims accompanied by their parents and the victims’ lawyers in Pati, Saifullah emphasized the importance of ensuring access to education for the students in a safe and comfortable environment.

Regarding the continuation of education, he said that the decision will be determined by the local government in coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and relevant local agencies.

The Ministry of Social Affairs will soon conduct a mapping of the conditions and profiles of the victims’ families so that the assistance and follow-up programs provided are truly tailored to the needs of each victim.

“God willing, the assistance will be provided until it is completed. We also strongly condemn this incident and ask law enforcement officials to impose the harshest possible punishment, if necessary, for life, so that it becomes a lesson for all parties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Regent of Pati, Risma Ardhi Chandra, expressed her appreciation for the support of the Ministry of Social Affairs in accelerating the handling of the case.

She ensured that the case of sexual abuse that occurred at the Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Pati is now being seriously handled by various ministries and agencies to ensure justice for the victims and the continuation of education for the other students.

In this case, the Pati Regency Government has also provided a number of assistance programs for the victims.

“We have formed a special task force for follow-up handling that coordinates with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Department of Education to ensure that all aspects, both legal and social, are handled properly,” said Risma. (Ant)