Prominent attorney Hotman Paris Hutapea has firmly pledged to oversee the legal proceedings against AS, the head of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) in Pati, Central Java. The case, which involves allegations of sexual abuse, is being closely monitored by Hotman’s legal team to ensure it reaches a definitive trial.
Speaking at a press conference in North Jakarta on Thursday, Hotman emphasized the necessity of public pressure in the Indonesian legal system. “We will guard this case and keep it viral because, in Indonesia, the mantra is ‘no viral, no justice.’ Usually, when I make something viral, it captures the attention of everyone, all the way to the Presidential Palace,” Hotman stated while accompanied by the victim and his legal team.
The gravity of the allegations has already resonated within the upper echelons of the Indonesian government. According to Hotman, the case has caught the eye of several high-ranking officials. “It has reached the Speaker of the House, Puan Maharani, and our esteemed colleague Gibran Rakabuming Raka has also spoken out. Everyone is paying attention now,” he added.
Beyond legal representation, Hotman is offering a safety net for those still living in fear. He urged other victims and families who have yet to come forward to break their silence, promising full legal protection. “Rest assured that you are safe. We will continue to provide legal assistance. To all students and parents who are still afraid to report, please contact us immediately through Hotman 911 or our local legal partners,” he urged.
The movement for justice gained momentum after a victim, identified by the initials VAN, and her father, M, decided to file an official report. Their decision was fueled by the suspicion that many other students at the boarding school may have suffered similar abuse. M revealed that he first gathered information from his daughter in early 2024 before deciding to take the matter to the authorities.
For M, the decision to go public was a difficult one, weighed down by the social stigma surrounding family honor. However, his desire to protect future generations outweighed his personal concerns. “From the beginning, my goal wasn’t just for me or my child; I see many generations of children there who could become victims,” he explained.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the case, M expressed his resolve to fight for the collective good. “Even though this is a very sensitive family matter to discuss, I am ready to fight for the sake of many people. I told my daughter, ‘Bismillah, let’s go, Nduk (daughter). Bismillah, fight for your friends.‘ And she agreed,” he concluded, highlighting the emotional courage required to seek justice in such harrowing circumstances.
Summary
Hotman Paris Hutapea is legally representing the victims of alleged sexual abuse committed by the head of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Pati. Hotman is utilizing public visibility to ensure the case reaches trial, noting that high-ranking officials like Puan Maharani and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are monitoring the situation. He emphasized the importance of viral attention in the Indonesian legal system to achieve justice for the victims.
The Hotman 911 legal team is offering protection and assistance to other potential victims and families who may still be afraid to report their experiences. The primary whistleblower and her father filed the report to prevent further abuse of other students at the institution. This initiative aims to break the silence surrounding sensitive family matters for the sake of public safety and accountability.