Mass Sex Abuse Allegations Force Closure of Boarding School in Indonesia

Mass sex abuse allegations force closure – On 2 May, a crowd of hundreds gathered at the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari village, Central Java, to protest against 58-year-old Kiai Ashari, the institution’s caretaker. Shouting slogans and holding signs, the demonstrators condemned the alleged sexual abuse of dozens of female students—many of whom are orphans from impoverished backgrounds—over several years. Among the banners, one declared,

“Women are not sexual objects,”

while another simply read,

“The Predator.”

The protest culminated in Ashari being escorted from the premises by police, marking the first public reckoning in what has since become a widely scrutinized case.

The Alleged Pattern of Abuse

Ashari, who also founded the school, is accused of subjecting students to repeated instances of sexual violence. According to the victim’s attorney, Ali Yusron, the caretaker’s actions reportedly involved “touching, squeezing and kissing” female students, with some claims indicating the abuse occurred as frequently as 10 times between February 2020 and January 2024. The incidents were allegedly facilitated through deceptive tactics, such as entering a student’s room under the guise of offering a massage. One student, who filed an official complaint, described the experience as a gradual erosion of boundaries, stating that “the number of victims is 30 to 50 children based on the victim’s statement.”

Despite initial public support for the accusations, several witnesses who initially testified against Ashari later recanted their statements. Jaka Wahyudi, the head of Pati police, explained that the legal process faced challenges, including four victims who withdrew their claims due to concerns about their children’s future. “The victim and the victim’s parents expressed their intention to resolve the matter amicably,” he noted, highlighting the pressure on families to maintain silence in the face of potential social or economic repercussions.

Police Response and Legal Proceedings

On 4 May, police announced that Ashari had not yet been detained, though they maintained he would not flee. The caretaker, however, proved them wrong by escaping to Bogor, Jakarta, and Solo before being apprehended at a mosque in Wonogiri on the night of 6 May. The arrest followed a police report filed after the tenth alleged incident, which the victim disclosed to their father. Jaka Wahyudi confirmed that investigators had named Ashari a suspect on 28 April, but the full extent of his actions remains under examination.

While the closure of the school has drawn national attention, it also underscores a recurring problem in Islamic boarding institutions across Indonesia. The case has sparked broader debates about the prevalence of sexual abuse within these educational settings, where students are often secluded from the outside world. Ali Yusron emphasized that the legal process reveals multiple victims, with one individual’s testimony triggering the investigation. “One person reveals everything,” he said, suggesting that the allegations are part of a larger pattern rather than isolated incidents.

Systemic Trends in Islamic Boarding Schools

Imam Nahe’i, a member of the PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit (SAKA) and former commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women, highlighted how sexual abuse in these schools often follows a predictable trajectory. He described how caretakers may use “shamanism or mysticism” to justify their behavior, framing it as divine or spiritual rather than criminal. “If you don’t obey them, you’ll go to hell,” he added, explaining how such rhetoric can lead to the normalization of abuse.

Imam Nahe’i also cited an earlier case at a school in Sumenep, which allegedly occurred as far back as 2017 but was only uncovered recently. This example illustrates a long-standing culture of tolerance, where abuse is not only accepted but sometimes encouraged by those in positions of authority. “This means that all this time there has been some tolerance from those around them,” he stated, emphasizing the systemic nature of the issue. The caretaker’s influence over students is further amplified by his claimed status as a “saint with powers beyond human comprehension” and a “descendant of a prophet,” which he used to assert moral superiority over his victims.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities in Pati have been investigating the 2024 case of alleged sexual crimes targeting teenage minors, though some charges were initially dismissed. Jaka Wahyudi acknowledged that the investigation encountered “obstacles along the way,” including the withdrawal of witness statements. This has left the legal process in a state of uncertainty, with the number of victims still being determined. “Authorities are still investigating the number of victims,” he said, underscoring the complexity of the case.

The allegations against Ashari have reignited discussions about the role of Islamic boarding schools in perpetuating sexual violence. Critics argue that these institutions, which often emphasize strict religious discipline, can become breeding grounds for abuse when caretakers exploit their authority. Ali Yusron pointed to the school’s environment as a key factor, noting that students are frequently isolated and subjected to prolonged periods of close supervision. “Three years in a row, they change at will,” he said, referring to the cyclical nature of the abuse and the ease with which victims are replaced.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a microcosm of a national issue. Islamic boarding schools across Indonesia have been criticized for their opaque practices, with some accused of allowing caretakers to act with impunity. Imam Nahe’i’s analysis of the pattern suggests that these schools often normalize physical contact between students and staff, blurring the lines between mentorship and exploitation. “Touching, hugging and kissing students are actions that, if left unchecked, can lead to a tolerance of sexual violence,” he warned.

The closure of Ndholo Kusumo has prompted calls for greater accountability in religious education. While the legal system continues to piece together the evidence, the case has already sparked a wave of public outrage and media coverage. Families of the alleged victims, educators, and advocacy groups are now demanding reforms to protect students from similar abuses. Jaka Wahyudi acknowledged the significance of the incident, stating that it has “provoked widespread anger” and brought the issue of sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools to the forefront of national discourse.

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the full scope of Ashari’s actions. His arrest has provided a critical turning point, but the path to justice is still fraught with challenges. The case also highlights the need for clearer protocols to address abuse, particularly in institutions where religious teachings may be used to justify misconduct. With the number of victims yet to be confirmed, the story of Ndholo Kusumo serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students in these closed environments. The hope is that this incident will catalyze long-overdue changes, ensuring that future generations of girls are protected from such systematic exploitation.