The extensive manhunt for Asyhari, the fugitive caretaker of Pondok Ndolo Kusumo, has successfully concluded with his apprehension by the Central Java Regional Police. The individual, who is a suspect in the alleged sexual abuse of female students, was located and arrested in his hideout within Wonogiri Regency on Thursday, May 7.
A photograph obtained by kumparan captures Asyhari at the moment of his arrest, clad in a batik shirt and a black jacket. Notably, he was observed wearing only underwear, an detail that underscores the swift and perhaps unexpected nature of the police operation.
Commissioner Anwar Nasir, Director of the General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Dirreskrimum) of the Central Java Regional Police, officially confirmed the successful operation. He stated that Asyhari was apprehended by a dedicated joint task force in Bakalan Village, Purwantoro District, Wonogiri Regency.
“Yes, at 04:45 AM Western Indonesian Time, in Bakalan Village, Purwantoro District, Wonogiri Regency, by the Resmob Team of the Violent Crimes Unit (Jatanras) of the Central Java Regional Police,” Commissioner Anwar elaborated on Thursday, May 7, providing precise details of the arrest.
Following his apprehension, the alleged perpetrator, who authorities have referred to as a “perverted kiai,” was promptly transferred to the Pati City Police Station. There, he will undergo formal detention and thorough examination as the crucial next steps in the ongoing investigation into the allegations.
“Yes, he was immediately taken to the Pati City Police Station,” Commissioner Anwar reiterated, emphasizing the urgency of the transfer.
Prior to the arrest, Commissioner Artanto, Head of Public Relations for the Central Java Regional Police, had publicly stated that Asyhari was suspected of fleeing beyond the borders of the Central Java region. Furthermore, the suspect had repeatedly failed to comply with official police summonses for questioning, which had prompted an intensified multi-agency manhunt.
“Investigators subsequently delved deeper into inquiries with the suspect’s family regarding his whereabouts. The findings indicated that he was not at his usual residence and was strongly suspected to be outside the Central Java jurisdiction,” Commissioner Artanto explained to reporters on Wednesday, May 6.
He further clarified that both the General Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Directorate for Women, Children Protection, and Perpetrator Identification (PPA-PPO) of the Central Java Regional Police were actively providing backup and support for the extensive investigative process spearheaded by the Pati City Police concerning this significant case.
“The Violent Crimes Unit (Jatanras) Team, a specialized sub-directorate within the Central Java Regional Police, was also fully engaged in the relentless pursuit of the perpetrator,” he stressed, highlighting the broad scope of the police effort.
At that time, Commissioner Artanto had firmly stated that if the suspect were successfully located, he would face immediate arrest and detention, without delay. His earlier remarks, underscoring the determination of the authorities, included: “The suspect is currently still being pursued. If found, he will be immediately arrested. We hoped this pursuit would yield results and that the individual would soon be apprehended.”
Summary
Asyhari, a suspect in a sexual abuse case involving students at the Pondok Ndolo Kusumo boarding school, has been arrested by the Central Java Regional Police. The apprehension took place on May 7 in Bakalan Village, Wonogiri Regency, following a multi-agency manhunt. The suspect was located after failing to respond to previous police summons and allegedly attempting to evade capture outside the region.
Following his arrest, Asyhari was promptly transported to the Pati City Police Station for further detention and formal investigation. The operation was carried out by a specialized task force, including the Jatanras unit, to ensure the suspect faced accountability for the serious allegations. He is now undergoing questioning as authorities continue their legal proceedings regarding the case.