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Head of Banten Islamic boarding school arrested for allegedly molesting students
He was charged under Article 81 of the 2016 Child Protection Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
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Local police have arrested the 52-year-old head of a "pesantren" (Islamic boarding school) in Serang regency, Banten, for alleged sexual abuse. (Shutterstock/File)
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he head of a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Serang regency, Banten, identified as JM, 52, has been arrested for allegedly molesting his students.
According to Adj. Comr. Indra Deradinata, head of the Serang Police’s detective and criminal unit, JM was arrested on Wednesday after four alleged victims spoke out against him.
“The investigation is ongoing,” Indra told kompas.com.
He was charged under Article 81 of the 2016 Child Protection Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Anton Daeng Harahap, a family member of one of the alleged victims, accused JM of sexually abusing 15 female students of the pesantren, adding that 11 of them were afraid to speak to the police.
“[The four girls who went to the police] initially did not want to tell their family because of shame. But one of them finally dared to speak out,” Anton said.
He added that JM had lured the girls by promising them an amulet that could improve their studying. After abusing them, he allegedly threatened to curse or expel them from the pesantren if they reported him.
“[JM] is the chairman of the foundation and he never teaches in the pesantren. He is only looking for victims,” Anton claimed. (mfp)
