Authorities in Indonesia have shut down an Islamic boarding school in Central Java after its founder was accused of sexually abusing dozens of female students over several years.

The case centres on 58-year-old Kiai Ashari, caretaker and founder of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic boarding school in Tlogosari village, Pati Regency. He was escorted away by police on 2 May as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the school carrying banners condemning the alleged abuse.

One banner read, “Women are not sexual objects,” while another described Ashari as “The Predator”.

Police said Ashari was named a suspect on 28 April but fled Central Java days later despite assurances he would cooperate with investigators. He was later arrested on 6 May at a mosque in Wonogiri after travelling through Bogor, Jakarta and Solo.

Pati police chief Jaka Wahyudi said one victim alleged she was abused 10 times between February 2020 and January 2024. Investigators said the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s room under the pretext of requesting a massage before committing indecent acts.

The victim later informed her father, leading to a police report.

The victim’s lawyer, Ali Yusron, said one official complaint had now been filed, but the number of alleged victims could be far higher.

“[The number of victims] is 30 to 50 children based on the victim’s statement,” Yusron told the BBC.

“I handled one victim, but the legal process tells of many victims.

“One person reveals everything.”

The allegations have sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of sexual abuse cases in Islamic boarding schools across Indonesia.

Police said earlier complaints against Ashari in 2024 did not proceed after several victims and parents withdrew statements over concerns about their children’s future.

Authorities said investigations into the total number of victims are continuing.

A member of the PBNU Anti-Sexual Violence Unit, Imam Nahe’i, said abuse cases in some Islamic boarding schools often involve manipulation by authority figures claiming spiritual powers or religious status to control students. (Arise News)