The Pekalongan City Police have apprehended the leader of an Islamic boarding school in the Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency, identified only by his initial A (55), on serious allegations of sexual harassment against his female students, known as santriwati. The suspect, who is also one of the founders of the prominent religious institution in Buaran, was taken into custody on Wednesday, May 27th, around 6:30 AM local time, coinciding with the observance of Eid al-Adha.
Pekalongan City Police Chief, AKBP Riki Yariandi, confirmed the arrest, stating, “We have secured the alleged sexual harassment perpetrator. The suspect is one of the founders of the Islamic boarding school in the Buaran area.” As the investigation unfolds, authorities have revealed that at least three female students have officially reported cases of abuse. However, officials anticipate this number could significantly rise as more victims are expected to come forward with their testimonies. Riki added, “Information suggests there are three victims, but we just received word from investigators that several more victims are expected to report.”
Further inquiries based on the victims’ statements indicate that the incidents of harassment occurred approximately two to three years ago. The protracted delay in reporting these grave allegations is attributed to persistent threats and severe intimidation tactics employed by the perpetrator, and reportedly, even by other students, creating a climate of fear. “They were threatened and intimidated, warned that if they reported, they might be harmed or subjected to violence. This aggressive coercion was a significant part of the perpetrator’s role against the victims,” the Police Chief revealed, underscoring the formidable challenges faced by the young victims in seeking justice.
Meanwhile, the head of the Pekalongan City Police Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Setiyanto, addressed a separate but potentially related claim involving a female student from the same boarding school who alleged pregnancy without intercourse. Setiyanto clarified that while this sensitive matter is currently being investigated, no definitive conclusions have been reached. “We cannot conclude yet because the victim has not officially reported this specific claim, and we have not yet conducted an examination,” he explained. Nevertheless, Setiyanto confirmed that the student in question was indeed enrolled at the Islamic boarding school led by the alleged perpetrator, though he reiterated, “The information suggests she studied in Buaran, but we cannot be certain until we have thoroughly examined the individual.”
Summary
The leader of an Islamic boarding school in Buaran