Kiai Ashari, caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java, is suspected of having disappeared after being named a suspect in the sexual abuse of dozens of santriwati. This follows earlier reports that police had secured the suspect amid public protests. Officers are now hunting him and have issued a second summons dated 7 May 2026.
Ashari was named a suspect on 28 April 2026 over the alleged abuse of around 50 santriwati at the pesantren he leads in Desa Tlogosari, Kecamatan Tlogowungu. The case was first reported in 2024, although proceedings were delayed by family mediation attempts and some witnesses retracting statements.
Police issued the first summons on 4 May 2026, but he failed to appear. A second summons was scheduled for 7 May 2026. Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Polres Kota Pati, Ajun Komisaris Polisi Iswantoro, said the suspect is believed to have left the Pati area and has not contacted family or his legal counsel.
Pati Police Chief Kombes Pol Jaka Wahyudi stated that if Ashari misses the summons again, officers will conduct a forced arrest under the Criminal Procedure Code. A police team is currently searching for him outside Central Java. Only one victim has filed an official report, while others remain witnesses. The developments follow public protests at the pesantren on 5 May and statements from the Ministry of Religious Affairs calling for strict legal action.
