Police Provide Latest Update on Santriwati Molestation Case at Pati Pesantren, Deny Suspect Caretaker Fled

Pati City Police, Central Java, are continuing to investigate the alleged molestation of several female students at Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency, by examining the boarding school caretaker with initials AS, who holds suspect status. “This examination is part of the investigation phase following the suspect’s designation on 28 April 2026. Today, we examined the boarding school caretaker as a suspect,” said Head of Pati Police Resort, Commissioner General of Police Jaka Wahyudi, accompanied by Head of Public Relations Division of Central Java Regional Police, Commissioner General of Police Artanto, during the security of a fishermen’s demonstration at the Pati Regency Office, on Monday. He explained that before designating the suspect, investigators had completed the case file by examining the reporter, several witnesses, and expert witnesses. The suspect AS was also previously examined in the capacity of a witness. “After all examinations were conducted and the evidence deemed sufficient, investigators designated him as a suspect on 28 April 2026,” he stated. According to Jaka, the suspect AS is currently in the Pati area and has been cooperative throughout the legal process. He also emphasised that information claiming the suspect AS had fled was untrue. The case originated from a victim’s report in 2024. However, the process encountered obstacles due to attempts at family-based settlements by the victim’s side, leading some witnesses to retract their statements. “Initially, there were statements from several victims, but some retracted them. To date, only one reporter remains active,” he revealed. Nevertheless, investigators proceeded with the legal process after receiving corroboration from other witnesses confirming the incident. Regarding circulating information about the number of victims allegedly reaching dozens, the police stated they have not received official statements supporting such claims. “We have not obtained statements or witness testimonies indicating that many victims,” he said. Pati Police Resort assures that the investigation will continue professionally and transparently.