Parliament Member Demands Severe Punishment for Perpetrator of Santriwati Molestation in Pati

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – A member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Maman Imanulhaq, has urged that the perpetrator of the molestation of a santriwati by a kiai figure at a pesantren in Pati, Central Java, be given a heavy sentence. According to him, this incident constitutes a serious crime.

The politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB) assessed that the molestation of a santriwati is a serious sexual crime due to the power relation, namely between teacher and student.

“The perpetrator must be processed to the maximum extent of the law, including with aggravated punishment in accordance with the TPKS Law. There must be no compromise, mediation, or ‘internal resolution’,” Maman told Kompas.com on Tuesday (5/5/2026).

Therefore, he advocated for a total evaluation of the pesantren.

“A pesantren is an educational institution with a significant role and must not be punished indiscriminately due to an individual’s actions. However, if negligence is proven, a flawed system, or other managers are involved, the state is obliged to freeze or revoke the operational permit,” he emphasised.

He also stressed that in this case, the focus should not only be on the perpetrator but also on the recovery of the victim, both psychological, legal, and social.

“Child protection standards that must be applied in all religious educational institutions,” he stated.

The case of sexual violence and molestation involving a kiai at a pesantren in the Pati area has been investigated by the police.

The victim’s legal adviser, Ali Yusron, stated that the number of victims could reach 30 to 50 santriwati.

He revealed that the majority of the victims come from vulnerable backgrounds, from orphans to impoverished families.

“This is like the tip of the iceberg. One victim who dares to speak out can open up dozens of others,” said Ali Yusron.

The police have named one suspect and ensured that the legal process continues even though some victims have withdrawn their reports.

For his actions, the suspect is charged under Article 76 letter E in conjunction with Article 82 of the Child Protection Law, with a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 15 years imprisonment.

Alternatively, Article 6 letter C in conjunction with Article 15 paragraph (1) letter E of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (TPKS), with a maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment.