Indonesia revokes Central Java pesantren licence after sexual abuse allegations

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has revoked the operating licence of Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java, after allegations emerged that the school’s caretaker sexually abused dozens of female students over several years.

The case has triggered public outrage, protests, and renewed scrutiny of oversight within Islamic boarding schools, known locally as pesantren. Authorities have also pledged broader reforms aimed at preventing sexual violence in religious educational institutions.

Police named the school’s caretaker, identified as Ashari or AS, as a suspect after investigators said they obtained two valid pieces of evidence. Lawyers representing alleged victims estimate that between 30 and 50 female students may have experienced abuse, although police said only one formal complaint had so far been filed.

Investigators from the Women and Children Protection Unit of Pati Police stated that the suspect failed to attend his initial questioning session and fled the city before later being arrested in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, on 7 May.

According to victims’ lawyers, the alleged abuse may have occurred from 2022 onwards and primarily targeted junior secondary school students.

Lawyer Ali Yusron alleged that the suspect manipulated students through false religious teachings and claims of spiritual authority.

“He claimed to be a wali of God and a descendant of the Prophet,” Ali said, referring to testimonies provided by victims.

According to the legal team, students were allegedly told they had to obey the caretaker in order to enter heaven. Victims also described intimidation, threats of expulsion, and public humiliation if they resisted.

Some students reportedly said they received late-night WhatsApp messages summoning them to the suspect’s office, where they were allegedly asked to massage him.

Lawyers further alleged that physical intimidation occurred under the guise of discipline, including hair-pulling and kicking.

Victims remained silent out of fear

Several alleged victims later appeared publicly alongside lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea during a press conference seeking legal assistance.

When asked why they had not immediately reported the alleged abuse, the students said they had been frightened and under pressure.

The victims also called for the suspect to receive the maximum possible punishment if convicted and expressed concern that more students could otherwise become victims in future.

Hotman Paris urged parents and the wider public to resist intimidation and report sexual violence cases involving children.

The allegations also sparked demonstrations in Pati Regency. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the pesantren on 2 May, carrying banners reading “Women are not sexual objects” and “A boarding school is a place to learn, not a place for indecency”.

Government revokes school licence

Following an investigation and on-site verification, Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs revoked the school’s operating licence on 5 May 2026.

Head of the ministry’s Pati office, Ahmad Syaiku, said officials had conducted a factual verification and compliance evaluation one day earlier.

“On 4 May we conducted a factual verification on site and evaluated the pesantren. We therefore decided to recommend revoking its licence,” Ahmad said during a press conference.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Muhammad Syafi’i stated that the government would not tolerate sexual violence in educational institutions.

“The measures taken by the Ministry include revoking the licence, prohibiting the school from admitting new students, suspending those believed to have known about the abuse but failed to act, and ensuring the perpetrator is prosecuted,” Syafi’i said.

He added that individuals suspected of failing to prevent or report the abuse would also be evaluated.

According to the ministry, the pesantren had operated legally since 2021 and accommodated 252 students, including 112 girls, across several educational levels ranging from preschool to senior secondary school.

All students have since been returned to their families, while lessons are temporarily continuing online.

Authorities said further assessments would determine whether students should later transfer to other Islamic boarding schools or madrasahs. Orphaned students are expected to be relocated to alternative institutions.

Acting Pati Regent Risma Ardhi Chandra confirmed that the school had been closed and barred from accepting new students.

Witness protection and psychological support

Indonesia’s Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) said it had begun providing legal and psychological assistance to victims connected to the case.

Deputy Chair of LPSK Wawan Fahrudin confirmed that one victim had formally applied for protection.

The agency said support measures include legal assistance, psychological rehabilitation, and calculation of restitution or compensation.

LPSK also stated that investigators were attempting to identify additional alleged victims who might still be afraid to come forward.

“We have received information about a list of other victims. LPSK will proactively verify the list and encourage witnesses to speak out,” Wawan said.

Nationally, the agency recorded 1,667 requests for protection related to sexual violence this year, most involving children.

Broader scrutiny of Islamic boarding schools

The case has intensified debate over supervision and accountability in Indonesia’s Islamic boarding schools.

Imam Nahe’i, a member of Nahdlatul Ulama’s Anti-Sexual Violence Task Force and former commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women, said sexual violence cases in pesantren often involve misuse of religious authority and weak oversight mechanisms.

He said some abusive institutions shared similar patterns, including tolerance of inappropriate behaviour, mystical teachings, and exaggerated claims of sainthood.

The Federation of Indonesian Teachers’ Unions recorded at least six alleged sexual violence cases in Islamic boarding schools between January and March 2026, most involving school leaders.

Although Indonesia introduced Regulation No. 73 of 2022 concerning the prevention and handling of sexual violence in educational institutions, critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent because many pesantren are privately managed rather than state-run.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said it was preparing stronger regulations and improving oversight of caregiving systems in boarding schools to prevent similar cases from recurring.

Officials also stated that any teachers or caregivers suspected of involvement or negligence could be dismissed and replaced with staff considered capable of properly safeguarding students.