Indonesia Shuts Down Islamic Boarding School Following Allegations of Widespread Sexual Abuse
Authorities in Indonesia have closed an Islamic boarding school in Central Java following reports from numerous female students alleging sexual abuse.
In Central Java, authorities in Indonesia have closed an Islamic boarding school following allegations against its founder, who is accused of sexually abusing numerous female students over an extended period.
The case involves Kiai Ashari, a 58-year-old caretaker and founder of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school located in Tlogosari village, Pati Regency. On 2 May, police escorted him away as hundreds of protesters assembled outside the school, holding banners that condemned the alleged abuse.
One banner stated, “Women are not sexual objects,” while another referred to Ashari as “the predator.”
Authorities reported that Ashari was identified as a suspect on 28 April, yet he escaped from Central Java shortly thereafter, despite his promises to cooperate with the investigation. On 6 May, he was apprehended at a mosque in Wonogiri after making his way through Bogor, Jakarta, and Solo.
Police chief Jaka Wahyudi reported that one victim claimed she endured abuse 10 times between February 2020 and January 2024. According to investigators, the suspect reportedly entered the victim’s room under the guise of asking for a massage before engaging in inappropriate behavior.
The victim then informed her father, leading to the filing of a police report.
Ali Yusron, the lawyer representing the victim, stated that a formal complaint has been submitted, yet the actual number of alleged victims may be significantly greater.
“According to the victim’s statement, the number of victims ranges from 30 to 50 children,” Yusron informed the BBC.
“I dealt with one victim, yet the legal process reveals numerous victims.”
“A single individual discloses all.”
The allegations have ignited widespread outrage and brought renewed attention to sexual abuse cases in Islamic boarding schools throughout Indonesia.
Authorities indicated that previous complaints regarding Ashari in 2024 did not advance, as multiple victims and their parents retracted statements due to worries about their children’s futures.
Authorities have stated that investigations into the overall number of victims are ongoing.
Imam Nahe’i, a member of the PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit, stated that cases of abuse in certain Islamic boarding schools frequently involve manipulation by authority figures who assert spiritual powers or religious status to exert control over students.
