Ministry of Religious Affairs Halts New Student Intake at Pati Islamic Boarding School Following Sexual Abuse Case

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has taken three measures in response to the alleged sexual violence case perpetrated by the caregiver and founder of an Islamic boarding school (ponpes) in Pati, Central Java, against dozens of female students.

Directorate of Pesantren at Kemenag, Basnang Said, stated that the first step is to temporarily halt the registration of new students. The sexual harassment case at the pesantren emerged coinciding with the new student intake process. Therefore, Kemenag has immediately stopped all new student admission processes so that the pesantren can focus on handling the case.

“We have issued a letter to the Kemenag Regional Office in Central Java, requesting the temporary suspension of new student registrations at Ndolo Kusumo pesantren until all issues are thoroughly addressed and there is assurance that the caregiving system, child protection, and institutional governance meet the established standards,” said Basnang in a written statement on Wednesday (6/5).

Second, facilitating the relocation of students to several educational institutions in Pati Regency. He stated that the continuation of education for the students at the pesantren is Kemenag’s focus.

“We will promptly relocate the students so they can continue their schooling at educational institutions in Pati Regency,” said Basnang.

The pesantren has 252 students. Four students are still at the Raudlatul Athfal level. There are 89 students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah level, 30 of whom are in year 6 and have taken exams from 4 to 12 April. Additionally, there are 91 students at Madrasah Tsanawiyah, 50 at Madrasah Aliyah, and 8 students who do not attend school or only board. All of them reside or are domiciled at the pesantren.

“All Ndolo Kusumo students residing at the pesantren have been sent back to their respective homes on 2 and 3 May 2026,” said Basnang.

Furthermore, Basnang explained, the Pati Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs will facilitate the school transfer process for the students. Kemenag has identified and recommended several institutions, including pesantrens, schools, or madrasahs. There are six educational institutions designated as relocation destinations for the students. These include MI Khoiriyatul Ulum Sitiluhur, Gembong, Pati Regency; MI Matholiun Najah Tlogosari, Tlogowungu, Pati Regency; SMP Al-Akrom Banyuurip, Margorejo, Pati Regency; MA Al-Akrom Banyuurip, Margorejo, Pati Regency; MA Assalafiyah Lahar, Gembong, Pati Regency; and MA Khoiriyatul Ulum Trangkil, Pati Regency.

Third, Kemenag supports the enforcement of the law. “We demand that the suspected perpetrator of sexual violence at Ndolo Kusumo pesantren be processed legally. We do not tolerate any sexual violence, especially in religious educational institutions,” said Basnang.

Previously, AS, the founder of the pesantren in Pati, had to face the law after being officially named a suspect in the alleged rape case involving dozens of female students. AS is known to have established the ponpes located in Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati, in 2021. The ponpes currently has 252 students, 112 of whom are female students.

The alleged harassment case came to light after a graduate victim spoke out about the suspect’s indecent behaviour. The report was filed by the victim to the Pati Regency Social Services, Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Office (Dinsos P3AKB) in September 2024. The case has also been reported to the authorities. However, more than a year passed without any developments in the legal process.

Head of the Women’s and Children’s Protection Unit (PPA), Hartono, stated that only on Monday (27/4) did the police finally conduct a crime scene investigation. There are four locations that were examined, such as the female dormitory, learning room, and two kiai rooms.

“There are four crime scene locations: the female dormitory, learning area, and two kiai rooms,” he said.

As a result of the case, several residents and victims demonstrated in front of the ponpes on Saturday (2/5).