Central Java Provincial Government Supports Permanent Closure of Ndholo Kusumo Pesantren in Pati, Emphasises Need for Solutions for Students

The Head of the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) of Central Java Province, Ema Rachmawati, supports the permanent closure of Ndholo Kusumo Pesantren in Pati Regency. The Pati Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has recommended such action. “We support (the closure of Ndholo Kusumo Pesantren). It should be done that way, in accordance with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ recommendation,” said Ema when interviewed on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Ema revealed that, to her knowledge, Ndholo Kusumo Pesantren already has a permit. “Because the pesantren is licensed, the permit can be revoked,” she stated. Nevertheless, Ema emphasised that the closure of the pesantren must still be accompanied by solutions for the students there. Moreover, the students at that pesantren have been receiving free education all this time. “The children’s education must not be interrupted. It must be ensured that they are transferred to a safe place,” said Ema. Regarding the handling of the alleged sexual violence case, Ema hopes that the police can conduct a thorough investigation. She also called for the police to immediately arrest and detain the suspected perpetrator. Ema then encouraged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to direct pesantrens in Central Java to form task forces for handling sexual violence. “Even at the provincial level, we only formed (the Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force) last year, and then we conducted socialisation to the regencies. Our hope is that each regency will also form one,” she said.