Pati Islamic Boarding School Abuse Case: Cak Imin Claims Perpetrator is a Shaman Disguised as a Cleric

The General Chairman of the PKB party, Muhaimin Iskandar, or Cak Imin, stated that the founder and leader of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School, Kiai Ashari (51), is not a genuine religious cleric. Ashari has been named a suspect following an arrest by a joint team from the Pati City Police and the Central Java Regional Police in connection with the alleged molestation of dozens of students at the boarding school.

“I dare to state that what happened in Pati, and what happened in West Java, was not a true cleric. A shaman pretending to be a cleric, something like that. A shaman disguised as a cleric,” said Cak Imin during the opening of the National Islamic Boarding School Meeting at the Grand Mercure Hotel Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/2026).

“To the public, do not easily believe in terms like ‘free boarding’ or ‘no cost’ without conducting proper verification,” he explained.

In his capacity as the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Cak Imin has coordinated with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, to address the issue of both physical and sexual violence within Islamic boarding schools.

“We must take precautions so that shamans do not claim to be clerics; such issues are very serious. There are many donation seekers claiming to represent boarding schools. Let us work together with all parties and the entire community; if you see any irregularities, do not remain silent—report them immediately,” he said.

He suggested that all regional governments open hotlines so that students can directly report any indecent treatment by rogue clerics. “God willing, the National Police and all of us will oversee this. I truly hope all local governments open hotlines—as many hotlines as possible,” he added.

The Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Central Java Province has ensured that the educational rights of the dozens of students affected by the sexual violence case will still be met. The learning process for the students will continue through a prepared learning scheme, despite the boarding school’s operational permit having been revoked since 5 May 2026.