Hundreds of protesters gathered at a girls’ boarding school in the village of Tlogosari, Central Java, on May 2, waving banners that read “The Predator” and “Women are not sexual objects.” The crowd gathered to confront 58-year-old Kiai Ashari, the caretaker of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school, as he was taken into police custody.
Ashari is suspected of sexually abusing dozens of female students over several years, many of whom were orphans from low-income families. While some witnesses previously withdrew their testimonies, a recent official complaint has brought the case back to the forefront of public outrage.
Ali Yusron, an attorney representing the victims, stated that based on victim statements, the number of affected children is estimated to be between 30 and 50. He noted that while he handled one victim, the legal process has revealed many others.
Flight and Capture
Investigators named Ashari as a suspect on April 28. Although police stated on May 4 that he had not yet been detained and believed he would not flee, Ashari subsequently escaped from Pati.
He traveled through the cities of Solo, Jakarta, and Bogor before being apprehended by police on the night of May 6 at a mosque in Wonogiri, Central Java.
Pati police chief Jaka Wahyudi reported on May 7 that one victim was allegedly abused 10 times at various locations between February 2020 and January 2024. The suspect reportedly entered the victim’s room under the guise of asking for a massage before committing indecent acts, including “touching, squeezing and kissing.”
A History of Allegations
This is not the first time the founder and caretaker has faced such accusations. Ashari is believed to have a history of abuse dating back to 2022, primarily targeting female students in the MTs level.
In 2024, the Pati Police’s Women and Children’s Services Unit (PPA) received reports of sexual crimes against teenage minors. However, some of these charges were dropped after four victims withdrew their statements to resolve the matter “amicably” due to concerns regarding their children’s futures.
Systemic Failures in Supervision
The case has highlighted a broader trend of abuse within some Indonesian Islamic boarding schools. Ashari allegedly used misleading doctrines, claiming to be a descendant of a prophet or a saint with powers beyond human comprehension to manipulate students.
Imam Nahe’i, a member of the PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit (SAKA), explained that such cases often follow a pattern where caretakers use “shamanism or mysticism” to demand obedience, threatening students with hell if they refuse.
Nahe’i further noted that some schools normalize touching or kissing, and some educators fail to understand that sexual violence includes more than just penetration. He cited a separate case in Sumenep that began in 2017 but remained uncovered for years due to local tolerance.
Government Response and School Closure
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has permanently revoked the license of the Ndholo Kusumo boarding school. All 252 students have been sent home or transferred to other institutions, with specific support promised for orphaned students.
Basnang Said, the Director of Islamic Boarding Schools at the Ministry of Religion, stated the closure was necessary to protect children and prioritize the investigation. New admissions are suspended until childcare and governance standards are met; otherwise, the school may be permanently deactivated.
The Ministry has recommended that any caretaker suspected of abuse be dismissed and removed from school grounds. Boarding schools across Indonesia are being urged to appoint staff with the moral integrity and capacity to provide 24-hour care for students.
Potential Next Steps
Authorities may continue to investigate to determine the exact number of victims beyond the current estimates. The Ministry of Religion could potentially push for stricter task forces and clearer regulations to ensure privately founded schools do not “slip through the cracks” of existing 2022 legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kiai Ashari?
Kiai Ashari is the 58-year-old founder and caretaker of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari, Central Java, who has been named a suspect in the sexual abuse of dozens of female students.
How many students were affected by the school’s closure?
At least 252 students were housed at the school; they have since been sent home or transferred to other facilities.
Why were previous legal proceedings against Ashari stalled?
Legal proceedings in 2024 faced obstacles when several victims and their parents withdrew their testimonies to resolve the matter amicably, citing concerns about the children’s futures.
How can governments better balance religious autonomy with the necessity of child protection in private educational institutions?