Ministry of Religious Affairs Halts New Student Enrolment at Pati Islamic Boarding School Due to Alleged Molestation Case, Warns of Potential Permanent Deactivation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The case of alleged molestation against dozens of female students at one of the Islamic boarding schools in Pati Regency, Central Java, has entered the investigation phase.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) stated that new student registrations at the boarding school have been halted after the sexual harassment case escalated to the investigation stage.

The Director of Pesantren at Kemenag, Basnang Said, emphasised that this suspension is to ensure the investigation process by Pati Police Resort becomes a priority in maintaining order and child protection.

“We have also sent a letter to the Central Java Regional Office of Kemenag, recommending the temporary halt of new student registrations at the concerned Islamic boarding school,” said Basnang in an official statement on Saturday (2/5/2026).

The suspension will continue until there is certainty that the childcare system, child protection, and institutional governance meet the established standards.

This recommendation was given by the Director of Pesantren to the Head of the Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs Regional Office as guidance in taking firm steps for student protection and institutional governance improvements at the pesantren.

If the boarding school does not meet the criteria in institutional governance according to standards, permanent deactivation can be carried out.

“If the pesantren does not comply, the Head of the Central Java Kemenag Regional Office may propose the deactivation of the pesantren’s registration certificate to the Directorate General of Islamic Education as evidence of the caregivers’ neglect of friendly and safe childcare,” Basnang stressed.

The pesantren is requested to appoint new educators who have the capacity, moral integrity, and readiness to fully carry out student care and guidance functions for 24 hours.

“We request that the suspect undergoing legal proceedings does not carry out duties as a caregiver/leader or educational staff at the Islamic boarding school to optimise the current student care function,” he said.

“We do not tolerate any sexual violence, especially in religious educational institutions,” Basnang added.

The police stated that they have sufficient preliminary evidence to elevate the case status to the investigation phase.