Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf noted in a statement that his side will always support the victims and has coordinated with local authorities to arrange protection, rehabilitation, and empowerment measures.
“We have agreed to take recovery steps for all victims while identifying solutions to ensure that all students at the pesantren can continue their studies,” he said during a meeting with victims, their parents, and lawyers in Pati on Friday.
Yusuf assured the victims and their families of the government’s commitment to guaranteeing inclusive access to safe and comfortable learning environments.
He noted that local authorities will work with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other relevant institutions to determine the continuation of services at the school in question.
The minister added that the Ministry of Social Affairs intends to profile the condition of the victims and their families to tailor assistance and counseling initiatives to their actual needs.
“We will provide comprehensive assistance. We also strongly condemn this incident and urge law enforcers to impose the harshest punishment possible on the perpetrator,” Yusuf stressed, calling for a life sentence to serve as a deterrent.
Acting Pati District Head Risma Ardhi Chandra appreciated the ministry for showing determination in handling the case and supporting the victims.
He underlined that the case, which implicates the leader of Ndolo Kusumo Pesantren, is under the scrutiny of multiple institutions, including ministries, to ensure justice for the victims and their peers.
The Pati government, he continued, has rolled out aid programs for the victims.
“We have also formed a task force dedicated to advancing the case in coordination with the Religious Affairs Ministry and the education office,” Chandra stated.
Police arrested AS, the pesantren leader accused of sexually assaulting about 50 female students, on May 7. After ignoring police summons in Pati, he was captured at a hideout in Wonogiri District.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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