Asyhari, the esteemed caretaker of Pondok Ndholo Kusumo in Pati Regency, Central Java, has been officially named a suspect in a disturbing case of alleged sexual harassment involving his female students. This revelation casts a dark shadow over a figure who, remarkably, was revered by his followers as a ‘holy man’ – a belief that persisted despite him being the target of public protests as far back as 2008.
The shocking details surrounding Asyhari’s alleged misconduct came to light during a recent press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, May 7. These serious accusations were unveiled by a witness identified only as ‘S’, who spoke alongside the victims’ legal representatives and prominent lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea.
Witness S described the profound, almost cult-like devotion Asyhari commanded. She explained, “Because everyone who was close to the perpetrator felt as if they were close to Allah. So, during my time near him, my heart would continuously utter, ‘Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah.'” This statement underscores the powerful spiritual sway Asyhari held over his disciples.
Having previously worked within the confines of the pondok pesantren, S corroborated the widespread conviction among some members of the community that Asyhari possessed a unique and special spiritual connection. She admitted that, for a time, she too was a devout believer in his supposed sanctity.
S further elaborated on this deeply ingrained perception, affirming, “Yes. Yes, a holy man. So every time I was near him, I truly felt compelled to continuously utter ‘Allah, Allah, Allah’.” This personal account highlights the immersive and almost hypnotic spiritual environment cultivated by Asyhari.
However, S recounted a significant shift in her perspective. Her unwavering faith began to wane and eventually dissolved after 2018, a period coinciding with her departure from working at the Ndholo Kusumo pondok.
During the press conference, Hotman Paris Hutapea directly questioned S about this change of heart, asking, “Since when did you stop believing?” S’s candid reply was unequivocal: “Since 2018. Yes, before that, I believed him very much.”
Beyond the current charges, Witness S also unveiled a disturbing history of accusations against Asyhari. She disclosed that in 2008, the local community had organized widespread demonstrations against him for strikingly similar alleged actions.
“Since 2008, the local community had protested against him,” S stated, further clarifying the nature of the previous outcry: “Sexual harassment of women as well.” This points to a deeply troubling pattern of alleged misconduct spanning over a decade.
S did not stop there, hinting at even graver incidents that had reportedly surfaced within the pondok’s sphere. “They say someone became pregnant and it was aborted,” she revealed, underscoring the severity and potential tragic consequences of the alleged abuses.
In the same session, Pangeran Reza, a member of the Hotman 911 legal team, highlighted a significant hurdle in the ongoing investigation. He noted that a substantial number of individuals within the pesantren community still refuse to accept the serious allegations, firmly believing them to be mere slander and fabrication.
Reza emphasized that the powerful influence of Asyhari’s perceived spiritual authority remains incredibly strong among the local community surrounding the educational institution.
“His followers are still incredibly numerous around the pesantren,” Reza asserted. “Many still genuinely believe that all these claims are false, nothing but slander and a setup. So, his followers remain substantial even now.” This unwavering loyalty presents a formidable challenge to bringing justice for the victims.
Reza further cautioned that this pervasive denial and loyalty mean a significant portion of the community actively resists the public disclosure of the case. He issued a stern warning to those attending the press conference: “That’s why those present should be extra careful, as there will surely be many followers displeased with this press conference.” The ongoing tension highlights the sensitive and volatile nature of the situation.
Summary
Asyhari, the esteemed caretaker of Pondok Ndholo Kusumo in Pati, has been named a suspect in a disturbing case of alleged sexual harassment involving his female students. This revelation comes despite his continued reverence by followers as a ‘holy man,’ a belief that has persisted through public protests as far back as 2008. Witness ‘S’ revealed the profound spiritual sway Asyhari held, initially leading her to believe in his sanctity before her faith dissolved after 2018.
Beyond the current charges, Witness ‘S’ disclosed a history of similar accusations, stating local communities protested Asyhari for sexual harassment in 2008. Despite these repeated allegations, a significant number of his followers still adamantly believe the claims are false and mere slander. This unwavering loyalty presents a formidable challenge to the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of justice for the victims.