A kiai with initials S, an administrator at Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Tlogowungu, Pati Regency, Central Java, has been secured by police over allegations of abusing around 50 underage female students. Some victims reportedly became pregnant as a result. The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs calls for heavy punishment for the perpetrator.
Allegations of sexual violence at Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java, came to light after residents protested at the site. The crowd chanted "Kyai Temvek" while surrounding the location on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The acts by kiai with initials S are suspected to have occurred since 2024, targeting mostly students from low-income families who were intimidated into compliance.
Some female students became pregnant and were allegedly forced to marry other students. Police have secured the suspect and are conducting further investigations. Legal aid institutions have offered free assistance to the victims.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafii, on Monday May 4, 2026, stated, "No tolerance. No protection for the perpetrator. Anyone involved will face the law and heavy administrative sanctions." The Ministry of Religious Affairs instructed the pesantren to halt new student admissions, deactivate involved parties, and overhaul governance.
Kemenag also threatened to revoke operational permits if instructions are not followed, while coordinating cross-sector efforts for victim recovery and strengthening child protection in pesantrens.
