Ombudsman: Response to Sexual Violence at Pati Islamic Boarding School Must Ensure Victim Protection
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Ombudsman RI (ORI) has stressed that the handling of alleged sexual violence cases at Tahfidzul Qur’an Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Pati Regency, Central Java, must guarantee victim protection.
Ombudsman member Syafrida Rasahan said the case handling must not be confined to criminal aspects alone but must also ensure the continuity of education for the santri and accountability of all public services involved.
‘The Ombudsman RI’s presence on the ground is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the state is present for victims,’ said Syafrida in a statement released in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Through an Investigative Action on Its Own Initiative (IAPS) conducted from 8-10 May 2026 in Central Java, the Ombudsman urged all stakeholders to immediately provide legal certainty for victims and safeguard the education of hundreds of affected santri.
Syafrida stated that the oversight commitment is not solely focused on the criminal aspects of the perpetrators but on the full accountability of public services.
Based on field inspections, the Ombudsman RI found that case handling had stalled at certain points, despite the urgent need to ensure legal certainty and maximum protection for victims.
Additionally, the Ombudsman has expressed serious concern for the education continuity of 252 santri, including 48 orphans, directly affected by the temporary suspension of the pesantren’s operations.
It was emphasised that the state must not allow children to lose their right to education due to slow institutional responses.
‘At the same time, fulfilling victims’ rights to protection, psychological recovery, and legal certainty must be the top priority,’ she said.
As a follow-up, the Ombudsman RI will conduct further inquiries by requesting statements from several ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pati Public Prosecutor’s Office, local governments, and other relevant parties.
She stressed that the Ombudsman RI will ensure all public service providers carry out their duties professionally, transparently, and in the interest of victims.
‘Public trust is built through tangible action, not just statements. Therefore, the Ombudsman RI will continue to oversee this case until there is a fair, transparent resolution that guarantees victims’ rights and the santri’s future,’ Syafrida said.