Police arrested Kiai Ashari, caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Pati district, on Thursday morning, 7 May 2026, in Purwantoro, Wonogiri. He is accused of sexually abusing dozens of santriwati by exploiting religious doctrine.
Ashari was detained by the Satreskrim team of Polresta Pati after previously fleeing and failing to respond to examination calls. He was immediately taken to Mapolresta Pati for further questioning.
Kapolres Kota Pati Commissioner Besar Polisi Jaka Wahyudi said the suspect used the doctrine that students must obey teachers so knowledge can be absorbed. The acts were allegedly committed 10 times in different locations under the pretext of requesting a massage.
Director of Criminal Investigation at Polda Central Java Kombes Anwar Nasir confirmed the arrest. Police continue to investigate possible additional victims and new facts in the case.
