Owner of Islamic School in Demak Named Suspect in Sexual Abuse of Female Students

Following a series of investigations and the discovery of several pieces of evidence, police have officially named the owner and caretaker of Ma’had Azimul Quran Al Anfas in Karangawen Village, Demak, identified as MT (46), as a suspect in sexual violence and molestation cases involving several female students.

“We have designated MT as a suspect in the sexual harassment case involving underage students and have proceeded with his detention,” said the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Demak Police, AKP Arlan B/udi Kusuma, on Tuesday (23/6).

Meanwhile, the atmosphere within the religious educational institution appears closed and deserted. Teaching and learning activities have ceased, as parents have chosen to withdraw their children or transfer them to other Islamic boarding schools.

In addition to escalating the case to a full investigation, Arlan Budi Kusuma stated that the suspect faces charges under Article 418 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, Article 415 letter b of the Criminal Code, and Article 6 letter c of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.

According to Arlan Budi Kusuma, the case progressed through a lengthy process, starting from the initial victim report, followed by investigations, examinations of victims, the suspect, and witnesses, and the discovery of sufficient evidence before the case was formally presented.

The revelation of the molestation case within the religious institution in Demak began when the family of victim RE (16) received information from a former administrator of Ma’had Azimul Quran Al Anfas. The administrator revealed that his wife had previously studied at the institution and was a victim of sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by MT. The victim’s father, fearing for his daughter’s safety, decided to withdraw her from the institution and move her to Pemalang Regency.

The victim, RE, was subsequently transferred to Pondok Pesantren Darul Quran Langitan in Tuban Regency, East Java, to continue her education. It was only in mid-2025 that the victim found the courage to share her experience.

“Based on the victim’s confession, she was molested five times since entering the religious institution when she was 13 years old,” he added.

Ultimately, the victim’s parents reported the case to the police. “We urge other victims to come forward and report, as it is suspected that the number of victims is quite significant,” he concluded.