Police Probe Rukiah Ritual Ruse in Bekasi Islamic Boarding School Abuse Case

Police in Bekasi City, West Java, are digging into how an alleged abuser used a rukiah ritual as a lure in a sexual abuse case at a local Islamic boarding school, according to CNN Indonesia. Suparyono, head of public relations at the Metro Bekasi City Police, said the suspect's method was to persuade victims under the pretense of carrying out the ritual. Preliminary data gathered by investigators shows that all victims identified so far, and all those who filed reports, are female.

The case centers on a man identified only by the initials MHH, 28, who was previously named a suspect by the police's Women and Children Protection unit. Unit chief Kompol Rosdiana Sirait said MHH works as a teacher and was questioned intensively by investigators on Friday. She said detectives are examining his alleged conduct, including his relationship with the victim and his standing within the boarding school environment.

According to the police account, MHH is believed to have known one of the victims since 2023, when that person was still studying at the boarding school. The victim has stated that MHH held the position of head of the boarding school, CNN Indonesia reported. Investigators have not detailed the full scope of the allegations or how many victims may ultimately be involved.

Attention is also on three other people identified by the initials HBH, F and S, whose possible involvement is still being assessed. Suparyono said their status remains under review and part of the ongoing investigation, with no legal determinations made yet. Police say they are continuing to collect evidence and witness statements to decide the legal position of everyone connected to the case.

The investigation is being handled by the Women and Children Protection and Women's Services units of the Metro Bekasi City Police, which have jurisdiction over the South Bekasi area where the case is alleged to have occurred. No timeline has been given for when investigators expect to complete their review or announce further decisions.