Catch! DPR: Perpetrators of Sexual Violence at Ponpes Pati Must Not Be Left Free

Illustration of a crime perpetrator being arrested (VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Rano Alfath, urged the Indonesian National Police to immediately arrest the nanny of Pondok Pesantren Ndholo Kusumo in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu District, Pati, Central Java who is suspected of committing sexual crimes against dozens of his students. He reminded the police to maintain public trust by handling this case seriously.

According to the head of the DPR RI legal commission, the case at Pati must be proof that the police are serious and not playing around in dealing with sexual crimes, especially that the victims are children and female students who are in a vulnerable position.

"We ask the police to immediately arrest the kindergarten teacher who committed sexual crimes against his students. This case must be handled seriously and quickly by law enforcement because it concerns the safety and future of the victim," Rano told reporters, Thursday, May 7.

As reported, a nanny of a pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java, with the initials AS (52) was named a suspect in a case of alleged sexual violence against a number of female students. Even though he has the status of a suspect, the kiai has not been detained.

Now, the kiai is said to have fled and is still being hunted by the police. There is news that the kiai who molested was arrested in Wonogiri, but there has been no official statement from the police.

Rano emphasized that the perpetrator should not be allowed to go free because it could cause fear among the community and increase the potential for pressure on the victim and the victim's family. In addition, according to him, the police's quick action is needed so that the community sees that the state is present to provide protection and justice for victims of sexual crimes.

"The public's insistence that the perpetrators be arrested immediately is getting stronger. Even mass action has been carried out by residents because they consider the legal process to be slow. Don't let the public lose confidence in law enforcement," said Rano.

Moreover, continued Rano, this case had previously been handled by the Satreskrim of the Pati Police in 2024 but had not been optimal. Therefore, he hopes that the police will pay serious attention so that this case can be completed transparently, professionally, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

"The public has high expectations of the police to be able to follow up on this case seriously and thoroughly. A quick and professional handling is important to maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions," he said.

The PKB legislator also asked the police to ensure that all victims were free from intimidation or pressure in any form. According to him, protection for victims is very important because some of the victims come from families that are unable to afford it, including orphans and orphans who are in great need of assistance and protection from the state.

"Don't let the victim be afraid or reluctant to report because of intimidation. These victims are children who must be protected, even some of them are orphans and orphans. They have experienced trauma due to sexual crimes, so the state must ensure that they get protection and feel safe," he said.

Rano added that victims of sexual crimes often experience psychological pressure, fear, and prolonged trauma.

"Therefore, law enforcement officers must prioritize approaches that protect victims, not make victims feel depressed," he concluded.

According to information, the suspect is said to have indoctrinated the victims with misleading doctrines and claimed to be a figure of "Khariqul 'Adah" or a wali who has abilities beyond human reason. The suspect is also said to have claimed to be a descendant of the prophet who must be honored.

The status that was made up was allegedly used by the perpetrator to manipulate and commit sexual crimes against the female students.