Indonesia sex cult boss held for "God" status

A picture of the head of the sect, Agus Noro, taken from his residence

JAKARTA (Agencies)

The head of an Indonesian cult was arrested for proclaiming himself as God and leading his followers into wild sex orgies and giving sermons in his underpants, police said on Sunday, adding he faces charges of “lewd acts” and insulting religion.

Agus Noro, who is called Agus Imam Solihin or “leader of the faithful” by his followers, was exposed by a female member of the cult and finally turned himself after a three-day hunt, Jakarta police spokesman Zulkarnain Adinegara said.

" We’re investigating him based on a report made by a female follower named Kartiningsih on Jan. 26. She complained that Noro had asked her to massage him and touch his genitals " Police spokesman "Noro has about 40 followers, all adults. At the beginning, Noro told them to pray and carry out religious recitations," Adinegara said and a former follower Eko claimed Noro told them to learn “Kamasutra” sex techniques to use in the afterlife. "We’re investigating him based on a report made by a female follower named Kartiningsih on Jan. 26. She complained that Noro had asked her to massage him and touch his genitals.” "She was also made to have sex with him, while her husband and followers watched,” Adinegara added.

Blasphemy Charges Police said Noro faces five years in jail if found guilty of blasphemy. In Indonesia police usually classify a person as a suspect before prosecutors may lay formal charges. While Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, its constitution protects freedom of religion and it has sizeable Christian, Hindu and Buddhist communities. A range of sects have also flourished in a country known for its religious tolerance, but some have been clamped down on by authorities, particularly when there has been pressure from a small, but vocal radical Muslim fringe.