Fadli, Batam – The East Bintan Police in Riau Islands have arrested a 24-year-old ustaz (Islamic teacher), identified only as SH, for allegedly sexually abusing his students at a number of pesantren (Islamic boarding school) where he teaches.
Two of the three students who fell victim to his alleged misconduct came forward and reported the teacher to the police.
East Bintan Police chief Det. Second Insp. Anjar Pratama Putra said on Tuesday the investigation began following a report that the teacher was beaten up by angry residents on Friday.
"The police detained [SH] and launched an investigation, only to find out that he had sexual harassed his own students," Anjar told The Jakarta Post.
The angry residents allegedly first learned about the teacher's misconduct after a student told her mother about the abuse in May. It was reported that she admitted to having been raped by the teacher. Her mother was said to have later shared the revelation with neighbors.
"After we pursued the case, we found there were other victims from different pesantren," Anjar said. "He teaches in different pesantren. He seduced his targets just like the way people seduce their romantic partner," he said.
According to the preliminary physical examinations, the victims reportedly showed signs of sexual abuse. The teacher is expected to be charged under the Child Protection Law, potentially facing an extended maximum sentence given the number of victims.
"We expect this dossier will be finished soon and the trial may start after the Idul Fitri holiday," he said. (stu/swd)