MUI Calls for Thorough Investigation into Sexual Abuse at Pekalongan Islamic Boarding School

The Chairman of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) for Pesantren Affairs, Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, also known as Gus Fahrur, has urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the sexual abuse case at an Islamic boarding school in Pekalongan, Central Java.

“MUI calls for law enforcement to swiftly, fairly, and transparently investigate this case while ensuring protection and support for the victims,” he said in a message to Kompas.com on Friday, 29 May 2026.

MUI strongly condemned the sexual harassment incident, stating that educational institutions should be safe and dignified spaces for young people.

“This incident must serve as a lesson for educational institutions and families to strengthen supervision, teacher screening, and safe reporting mechanisms for students,” he added.

Gus Fahrur also stated that religion or religious educational institutions should not be used as a shield for reprehensible behaviour.

Six former students of Padepokan Padang Ati in Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency, have reported allegations of molestation by AKF (55), the school’s caretaker.

The Head of Diniyah and Pondok Pesantren Education for the Central Java Provincial Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), Moch Fatkhuronji, said the former students reported the alleged molestation they experienced while studying there.

He did not have details of the victims’ ages but estimated they were in junior or senior high school at the time of the alleged abuse.

AKF has been named a suspect and detained by Pekalongan City Police since Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Pekalongan City Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariandi stated that the alleged molestation of female students is believed to have occurred since 2008.