128 Islamic Boarding Schools in Central Java Proposed for Closure

The Head of the Early Education and Islamic Boarding School Division of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) in Central Java, Moch Fatkhuronji, revealed that at least 128 boarding schools in the province have been proposed for closure. The failure to meet the ‘arkanul ma’had’ (pillars of the boarding school) is the primary factor behind these proposals.

Fatkhuronji stated that boarding schools across the country can be closed if they fail to comply with these fundamental pillars. “The most important aspect is that a boarding school can be closed if it rejects the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) or if its teachings are not ‘rahmatan lil alamin’ (a blessing for all). Adherence to NKRI is mandatory,” he explained during an interview on Saturday (19/09/2026).

The ‘arkanul ma’had’ also regulates the presence of a caretaker or ‘kiai’ within the school environment. In addition to possessing a clear lineage of religious knowledge (sanad), the kiai must serve as a role model for students. “A kiai’s behaviour must be exemplary. For instance, if they are involved in sexual violence, the school can be proposed for closure,” said Fatkhuronji.

Furthermore, the regulations require boarding schools to maintain a curriculum, adequate infrastructure, and a minimum student body of 15. According to Fatkhuronji, most of the 128 proposed closures in Central Java are due to a lack of students, with some schools having no students at all. He noted that students must be registered in the Education Management Information System (EMIS).

“If there are no students and the kiai lacks IT literacy, our data shows zero enrolment. In such cases, we coordinate with district/city religious affairs offices to assess the situation. We have found instances where the kiai has passed away and the school is left unmanaged. This burdens our data, hence the proposal for closure,” Fatkhuronji added.

Throughout 2026, several kiais in various parts of Central Java have been implicated in alleged sexual violence cases. These incidents occurred at institutions including Ponpes Ndolo Kusumo (Pati), Ponpes Al-Jaelani (Semarang), Ponpes Al Anwar (Jepara), Padepokan Padang Ati (Pekalongan), Ma’had Adzimul Qur’an Al Anfas (Demak), Ponpes Fathul Ulum (Banjarnegara), Ponpes Salafiyah Futuhiyah (Grobogan), and Ponpes Manjung (Wonogiri). Several licensed schools recorded by the Ministry of Religious Affairs have been recommended for closure following these cases.

Currently, there are 5,451 licensed and registered boarding schools in Central Java, with over 600,000 students. Fatkhuronji admitted that as of July 2026, very few of these institutions had established task forces for the prevention and handling of sexual violence (PPKS)—fewer than ten. He noted that establishing such task forces remains a challenge due to the need for qualified human resources.