Antara, Jakarta – Prosecutors have charged a father and his son, the caretakers of an Islamic boarding school (pesantren), with sexually abusing students. The father is charged with 10 years in prison, his son with 11 years, and both are required to pay a fine of Rp 100 million, which can be replaced by an additional six months in prison.
"The charges were decided based on strong evidence," said Yan Subiyono, head of the General Crimes Division of the Trenggalek District Attorney's Office, in Trenggalek on Monday, September 9, 2024.
In addition, consultation with the East Java High Prosecutor's Office also influenced the charges.
For defendant M, 72 years old, the owner of the Islamic boarding school, the prosecution demanded 10 years in prison minus the period of detention under the Child Protection Law. "A fine of Rp 100 million, substitutable with six months in prison," said Yan.
Based on various considerations, his son F (37) faces a more severe charge of 11 years in prison minus the detention period; he is also charged with a fine of Rp 100 million, substitutable with six months in prison. Both defendants must also pay court costs of Rp 5,000 each.
"During the trial, six witnesses and an expert witness were present. All of them made statements that incriminated both of them," he said.
As previously reported, the father and son were accused of committing indecent acts of sexual abuse against their students.
According to the police statement, both men used a similar modus operandi, in which they would ask the students to clean their room or make coffee before they were sexually assaulted. Their horrific crimes are believed to have taken place between 2021 and 2024.