Police raid pesantren linked to suspect in molestation of students in Ponorogo

Ponorogo, East Java (ANTARA) - The Ponorogo Resort Police Criminal Investigation Unit conducted a raid at the pesantren owned by the suspect in the alleged sexual abuse of students located in the Jambon district, Ponorogo, East Java, on Wednesday. The raid was conducted after the leader of the pesantren, identified as JY (55), was named as a suspect in the case of alleged sexual abuse of more than a dozen students. The head of the Ponorogo Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Imam Mujali, said the raid was carried out by investigators from the Women and Children Protection (PPA) division to complete evidence in the ongoing investigation into the case. ‘The raid was conducted for the purposes of investigation and to secure evidence related to the case,’ he said. From the raid, police secured several pieces of evidence including mattresses, documents, and tissues believed to be related to the crime committed by the suspect. In addition, investigators found new facts that some of the victims are believed to have experienced the abuse more than once. The modus operandi used by the suspect was to offer free education and money to the victims. ‘Several victims reported that the acts occurred three to four times,’ he explained. Currently, the psychological condition of the victims remains under intensive support. Police have enlisted the Ponorogo Regency Social Service and a psychology team to conduct assessments and provide rehabilitation for the victims. ‘Support continues as the victims remain under psychological distress,’ he added. For the act, the suspect was charged under Article 6 letter c of Law Number 12 of 2022 on the Crime of Sexual Violence, as well as Article 415(b) or Article 417 of the Penal Code, with a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rp300 million. Meanwhile, regarding the operation of the pesantren, police handed the handling over to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.