128 Islamic Boarding Schools in Central Java Proposed for Closure
The Head of the Early Religious Education and Islamic Boarding School Division of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) for 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 pesantren) is the primary factor behind these proposals.
“As far as I can remember, the total is 128 (boarding schools proposed for closure in Central Java). What is clear is that the number is above 100,” Fatkhuronji stated during an interview on Saturday (19/09/2026).
He explained that boarding schools in the country can be closed if they fail to meet and comply with the arkanul ma’had. “First and foremost, 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 said.
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 caretaker or kiai must be a figure capable of providing a role model for the students (santri).
“A kiai’s behaviour must be good. If, for example, they engage in sexual violence, the school can be proposed for closure,” Fatkhuronji added.
Furthermore, the arkanul ma’had requires boarding schools to have a curriculum. Equally important is the requirement for adequate facilities, infrastructure, and students. “The minimum requirement for a boarding school is 15 students,” Fatkhuronji noted.
According to Fatkhuronji, of the approximately 128 schools proposed for closure in Central Java, most are due to shortages or a complete lack of students. He stated that students must be registered in the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
“If there are no students, and the kiai is not proficient in IT, our data eventually shows zero. When it reaches zero, we coordinate through the district/city religious affairs offices to see the status of the school. It turns out some kiais have passed away, and there is no one left to manage the school. This burdens the data, so they are subsequently proposed for closure,” Fatkhuronji concluded.