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Mob protests outside boarding school as caretaker arrested
On 2 May, hundreds gathered outside Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari, Central Java, chanting slogans like "Women are not sexual objects" and "The Predator." The crowd targeted 58-year-old Kiai Ashari, the school's caretaker, as police escorted him away. Authorities suspect Ashari of sexually abusing dozens of female students-most orphans from impoverished families-over several years.
Victim files complaint amid retracted testimonies
While multiple witnesses initially spoke out, most later withdrew their statements. One victim, however, filed an official complaint, alleging up to 50 girls may have been abused. "The number of victims is 30 to 50 children based on the victim's statement," said Ali Yusron, the victim's attorney. "I handled one victim, but the legal process reveals many more."
Suspect flees, later captured after multi-city chase
Police named Ashari a suspect on 28 April but had not detained him by 4 May, insisting he would not flee. He proved them wrong, escaping Pati for Bogor, Jakarta, and Solo before police arrested him on 6 May at a mosque in Wonogiri, Central Java.
Pati police chief Jaka Wahyudi told reporters on 7 May that the victim was allegedly abused 10 times between February 2020 and January 2024. Ashari reportedly entered the victim's room under the pretext of requesting a massage, then coerced her into undressing and subjected her to "touching, squeezing, and kissing." After the tenth incident, the victim confided in her father, prompting a police report.
History of allegations and systemic failures
This is not Ashari's first brush with abuse accusations. The caretaker, who also founded Ndholo Kusumo, is believed to have a history of misconduct dating back to 2022. In 2024, Pati Police's Women and Children's Services Unit received reports of sexual crimes against minors, but four victims later withdrew their statements, citing concerns about their children's futures.
"The victim and the victim's parents expressed their intention to resolve the matter amicably," Jaka explained. Authorities faced "obstacles" during the 2024 investigation, including retracted testimonies.
Cult-like influence and institutional tolerance
Ashari allegedly manipulated students with misleading doctrines, claiming to be a saint with supernatural powers or a prophet's descendant. Imam Nahe'i, a member of the PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit, told the BBC that such cases often follow a pattern: caretakers promote mysticism over rational teachings and demand obedience under threat of divine punishment.
"If you don't obey them, you'll go to hell."
Imam Nahe'i, PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit
Nahe'i highlighted a broader issue: many Islamic boarding schools normalize behaviors like hugging or kissing, fostering an environment where sexual violence can thrive. He recounted a case in Sumenep where abuse persisted from 2017 until recently, tolerated by those around the perpetrator.
"They said sexual violence is defined as penetration," Nahe'i noted. "If it hasn't reached that point, it's not considered sexual violence-just a kind of sin."
Regulatory gaps and ministry response
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs introduced guidelines in 2022 to address sexual violence in educational settings, but Islamic boarding schools-often privately founded-remain difficult to regulate. "The legislation cannot control them," Nahe'i said, calling for stricter oversight and clear institutional policies.
The Ndholo Kusumo school, licensed since 2021 and home to 252 students, has been permanently closed. The Ministry of Religious Affairs revoked its permit, arranging online learning or transfers for students, particularly orphans. New admissions are suspended until child protection standards are met.
"The closure ensures authorities can prioritize the investigation while maintaining order and protecting children."
Basnang Said, Director of Islamic Boarding Schools, Ministry of Religion
The ministry has recommended dismissing and evicting any staff suspected of abuse from school premises. Islamic boarding schools nationwide are urged to hire educators with "moral integrity" capable of 24-hour student care.
Broader implications for Indonesia's Islamic schools
The case underscores systemic issues in Indonesia's Islamic boarding schools, where lack of oversight and entrenched cultural norms enable abuse. Advocates stress the need for enforceable regulations, community vigilance, and education on what constitutes sexual violence to prevent future tragedies.
