Allegations Against Boarding School Caretaker Shock Local Community
Authorities in Indonesia are investigating a disturbing sexual abuse case linked to an Islamic girls’ boarding school in Central Java. The case has sparked anger across the country and renewed debate about student protection in religious institutions.
On 2 May, a large crowd gathered outside the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari village. Protesters carried banners and shouted slogans demanding justice for the victims. Many accused the school’s caretaker, 58 year old Kiai Ashari, of abusing female students over several years.
Police escorted Ashari away from the school while angry residents called for strict legal action. Most of the alleged victims were orphaned girls from poor families who had been living at the boarding school.
Victims Begin Speaking Out
A lawyer representing one of the victims stated that the abuse may have affected between 30 and 50 students. According to the legal team, one victim decided to report the case officially after years of silence.
The attorney explained that several girls were afraid to speak because of pressure and fear within the community. Some witnesses later withdrew their statements, making the investigation more difficult.
The abuse reportedly continued for years before the victim finally informed her father. After hearing the allegations, the family filed a police report and requested immediate action from authorities.
Suspect Attempted to Escape
Investigators named Ashari as a suspect on 28 April. At first, police claimed he would cooperate and stay in the area during the investigation. However, he later fled from Pati and traveled through several cities, including Bogor, Jakarta, and Solo.
Police eventually arrested him on 6 May at a mosque in Wonogiri, Central Java. Authorities are continuing the investigation while gathering testimony from additional victims and witnesses.
Previous Allegations Raise More Concerns
This is not the first time the caretaker has faced accusations. Reports suggest that complaints about misconduct at the boarding school first appeared in 2022.
According to local sources, teenage female students were repeatedly targeted. In 2024, police received reports related to alleged sexual crimes involving minors at the school. Some of those earlier cases were later dropped.
The incident has increased public concern about safety standards and oversight inside religious boarding schools across Indonesia. Many people are now demanding stronger protections for students and stricter monitoring of educational institutions.
