Kiai Suspect in Abusing 50 Ponpes Santriwati Pati Arrested in Wonogiri

Pati - The Pati City Police (Polresta) arrested the caretaker of the Ndolo Kusumo Pondok Pesantren in Tlogowungu District, Pati, with the initials AS who was a suspect in the alleged molestation of students at his hiding place in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java.

Pati Police Chief Kombes Jaka Wahyudi said that previously the suspect had missed the call for an examination on Monday (4/5), so Polresta Pati planned to send a second summons letter on May 7, 2026.

However, because the suspect was allegedly not at the place or was allegedly hiding outside the city, finally a forced pick-up was carried out against the suspect AS.

Reported by ANTARA, so far only one victim has officially reported the case to the police.

The Pati Police opened the widest possible space for other victims or witnesses who have additional information to report, with the guarantee of confidentiality of identity.

The determination of suspects in this case was carried out on April 28, 2026, after investigators collected sufficient evidence. Prior to the determination, investigators had examined the reporter, a number of witnesses, and expert witnesses. The reporter was also examined in his capacity as a witness.

After all the series of examinations were carried out and the evidence was considered sufficient, said Jaka, investigators named the person concerned as a suspect on April 28, 2026.

The case of alleged sexual abuse began with the victim's report in 2024. However, on the way, he had obstacles due to efforts to settle the case within the family, so that several witnesses withdrew their statements. So far, only one person has been reported as active.

However, investigators continued the legal process after receiving reinforcement from the testimony of other witnesses who confirmed the alleged incident.

Regarding information circulating regarding the number of victims, which is said to have reached dozens of people, the police confirmed that they had not received official information to support the claim.

Polresta Pati ensured that the investigation process would continue to run professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions.