Pekalongan Islamic boarding school leader named suspect in sexual abuse, detained

Police have designated the leader of a Pekalongan Islamic boarding school, AKF (54), as a suspect in a sexual violence case involving several female students. AKF has been immediately detained. “The initial detention period is 20 days. We will then complete the administrative investigations and expedite the case file,” said Pekalong City Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKp Setiyanto at the Pekalong City Police headquarters. The boarding school leader faces charges under Article 12(c) of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crime (TPKS), which carries a maximum 12 years in prison for physical sexual harassment committed by abuse of power or taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability. As ofThursday morning, 28 May, police have interviewed six victim witnesses. Authorities urge survivors to report to the complaints desk either in person at Pekalong City Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit or via hotline. AKF was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, 27 May, and his questioning concluded around 9 PM that same day. The sexual violence cases involve both verbal and physical abuse. Police revealed that victims are afraid to report the incidents or file formal complaints. “Victims are scared because the kiai or ustaz are respected figures, seen as father figures,” said Pekalong Regional Police Chief AKBP Riki Yariand on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. “The modus operandi is that when the students are staying there, they are asked to give massages or similar, creating opportunities in secluded or private settings,” added Riki.