Aftermath of Alleged Harassment Case, Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School Frozen, 252 Students Sent Home

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has frozen all activities at the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) in Pati Regency, Central Java. This decision follows allegations of sexual violence committed by the school’s caregiver against several female students.

The Head of the Pati Regional Office of Kemenag, Ahmad Syaikhu, revealed that on 28 April 2026, the Directorate General of Islamic Education (Ditjen Pendis) issued a recommendation letter. One of the points in the letter is the temporary suspension of new student admissions at Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo.

“We also need to inform that all 252 students have been sent back to their respective parents’ homes. Except for the sixth-grade class because they have madrasah exams,” said Syaikhu to Republika on Tuesday (5/5/2026).

He added that the sixth-grade students have been entrusted to the home of one of the teachers located not far from Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo. However, they are still being monitored and accompanied. “For the other students, we have sent them home, and their learning is conducted online,” he stated.