Santriwati Harassment Case in Pati Reported in 2024, New Ponpes Caretaker Designated Suspect in 2026, Police's Statement

Pati Chief of Police, Kombes Pol Jaka Wahyudi, has confirmed that investigators have named AS, the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren (Ponpes) Ndholo Kusumo, as a suspect in the alleged sexual assault case against a santriwati. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the emergence of various speculations, given that the case was reported as early as 2024 and only progressed to investigation this year.

“Today, in line with the indecent assault case at the ponpes, the agenda is in accordance with the investigation stage, the examination of the suspect,” said Jaka during an interview on Monday (4/5/2026).

He added that AS was designated as a suspect on 28 April 2026. “So after the 28th in the (suspect designation) stage, the agenda on the 4th (May 2026) is the examination as a suspect,” he stated.

Jaka denied rumours that AS was attempting to flee. According to him, the suspect is undergoing examination cooperatively.

He was also asked why Pati Police appeared slow in handling the alleged sexual violence case at Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo. Jaka explained that the alleged indecent assault by suspect AS was indeed reported in 2024.

At that time, officers immediately conducted an investigation by examining witnesses, including the alleged victim. “However, in the process, there were obstacles. From the victim’s side, from the victim’s parents’ side, there was an intention to resolve it in a familial manner,” he said.

As a result, several witnesses at that time, based on the investigators’ statements in 2024, withdrew their testimonies. “Because of reasons concerning the children’s future,” Jaka added.

According to Jaka, the current reporting alleged victim is only one person. “The reporter is only one. No one has reported again yet,” he said.