Sexual Abuse of Female Santri in Pekalongan: Ministry of Religion States It's a Padepokan, Not a Pesantren
Moch Fatkhuronji, Head of the Department for Diniyah and Pondok Pesantren Education at the Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), stated that he has been following the case involving alleged sexual violence committed by Abdul Khalim Fadlun (54), the caretaker of Padang Ati “Pesantren” in Pekalongan Regency. According to Fatkhuronji, the facility does not have an operational permit and is more accurately described as a padepokan.
“It is not a pesantren and does not have an operational permit or registration,” Fatkhuronji said when questioned about the alleged sexual violence by the Padang Ati caretaker on Thursday (28 May 2026).
However, in response to the case, Fatkhuronji said his office is coordinating with the Pekalongan Kemenag office. “The coordination with the Pekalongan Ministry of Religion office confirmed that it is not a pesantren, but a padepokan. However, the people, the students staying there, are called santri,” he added.
“If it’s claiming to be a pesantren, that’s incorrect. The correct name on the signboard is Padepokan Padang Ati,” Fatkhuronji added.
He admitted not knowing how long Padepokan Padang Ati has been operating, but noted around 350 santri were present. “Last night, many were sent home as there were quite a number, 350 students or santri there,” he said.
According to Fatkhuronji, the santri at Padepokan Padang Ati range from children to high school or madrasah aliyah students. However, he has not confirmed if the padepokan operates a formal educational institution.
“This information is still not detailed. I have instructed the Kasi Pontren (Pekalongan Kemenag) to submit a written report to the regional office, including student numbers, establishment year, history, and teachers. I requested a report be made,” Fatkhuronji said.
Regarding the sexual violence case at Padepokan Padang Ati, Fatkhuronji stated that six alleged victims have been identified, all former female santri.
“The Pekalongan case is being handled by the police, and the perpetrator has been arrested and is undergoing legal proceedings. The Central Java Ministry of Religion is coordinating and instructing Pekalongan Kemenag to involve DP3A, Dinsos, and relevant organisations, Disdik, and the Madrasah Education Kasi, to address the santri there and facilitate their return home,” Fatkhuronji said.
He added that of the approximately 350 santri at Padepokan Padang Ati, 38 are currently enrolled in madrasahs. They have been placed with a teacher’s family and continue their education.