Police raid on Ponpes Ponorogo: beds and tissues seized as evidence

Satreskrim Polres Ponorogo conducted a search at a pondok pesantren in the Jambon district of Ponorogo, East Java, on Wednesday, 20 May, to delve into a case of alleged sexual abuse involving the pesantren’s leader. The search followed the leader, identified as JY (55), being officially named a suspect over alleged sexual violence against more than a dozen of its santri. The investigation team from the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) was deployed to inspect the scene. Kasatreskrim of Ponorogo Police, AKP Imam Mujali, explained that the move is part of efforts to complete evidence for the ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse of santri. “The search is conducted for the purposes of the investigation and to secure evidence related to the case,” AKP Imam Mujali said. During the operation at the Ponpes Ponorogo, officers secured several items believed to be related to the alleged crime. The items have been transferred to the Ponorogo Police Headquarters for further examination. In addition to securing physical evidence, investigators uncovered new, troubling facts. Based on additional checks, some of the victims are suspected to have experienced sexual abuse more than once. The perpetrator’s modus operandi involved offering free education and providing a sum of money to the victims to comply with his wishes. “Some victims reported the acts occurred three to four times,” AKP Imam Mujali said. Given the deep trauma, the Ponorogo Police collaborated with the Ponorogo Regency Social Service and a psychology team to conduct assessments and provide recovery support for the victims. “Assistance continues because the victims are still under psychological pressure,” he added. For his actions, the suspect JY is charged under Article 6 letter c of Law Number 12 of 2022 on the Sexual Violence Crime (TPKS), as well as Article 415 letter b or Article 417 of the Penal Code. The suspect faces a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rp300 million. Regarding the future handling of the Ponorogo pesantren, police have handed management entirely to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) for further evaluation. The revelation of the perverted modus of JYD, a kiai in Ponorogo who molested 11 male santri with the lure of free schooling and a pretext of foot reflexology since 2017, is noted. The Ponorogo Police designate JYD, the leader of Ponpes TQRW, as a suspect for the molestation of 11 santri. The police seized beds and documents during the search. He also notes that the scope of violence under the latest rules is not limited to physical and sexual violence but also psychological violence. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasised that preventing sexual violence in pesantrens must be achieved through cultural change, strengthened supervision, and protection of santri. Sexual violence in educational institutions, including pesantren, is no longer an anomaly. The case of alleged sexual violence at Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo, Patih, Central Java, should be a serious concern for all parties. The impact of sexual abuse in online spaces is often long-term, with victims frequently experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression.