Mosque Caretaker in Cilacap Allegedly Molests and Rapes 24 Boys

Police have arrested a mosque caretaker, identified by the initials WR (39), on suspicion of molesting and raping a number of young boys in Cilacap, Central Java. The perpetrator is alleged to have carried out the offences over an 11-year period.

The case came to light after the mother of one of the victims reported the molestation and rape of her child to the police on 23 July 2026. Police then conducted an investigation by taking statements from the victim, parents, neighbours around the victim’s and suspect’s homes, and the mosque community.

The examination of WR subsequently revealed alleged similar acts dating back to 2015. Police said WR admitted to committing the offences against a number of children up until 11 July 2026.

“So for around 11 years, the suspect carried out similar acts against minors in his residential area and around the mosque,” said Cilacap Deputy Police Chief AKBP Endro Aribowo during a press conference, as reported by detikJateng on Friday (14/8/2026).

From the preliminary investigation, police have identified at least 24 children who have stated they were victims. All of the victims are male and were underage at the time of the incidents.

“There have been at least 24 children who, over the course of 11 years, have admitted or stated that they were victims of these reprehensible acts, namely molestation and sexual intercourse committed by the perpetrator WR. All of the victims are male,” he said.