Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pati Revokes Licence of Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School Following Molestation Case: What About the Students?
Pati, VIVA – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revoked the operational licence of the Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency, Central Java, following allegations of molestation by the institution’s caretaker against female students.
“We offer no tolerance whatsoever to perpetrators of sexual violence,” stated Ahmad Syaiku, Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Pati, during a press conference on the arrest of the suspect AS at Pati Police Resort headquarters on Thursday.
He praised the swift action by law enforcement in handling the case, leading to the suspect’s designation.
“We greatly appreciate the prompt response in conducting the investigation, and Alhamdulillah, the suspect has been designated. This is proof that the state is present to protect our children,” he said.
Ahmad expressed concern over the incident, as it damages the image of pesantren as institutions for character building and Islamic education.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Religious Affairs conducted factual verification and compliance evaluation of the Islamic boarding school on 4 May 2026. The evaluation results formed the basis for recommending the revocation of the operational licence.
He added that the operational licence for Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School was officially revoked as of 5 May 2026.
Additionally, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has ensured the continuity of education for the students.
There are 252 students recorded at the pesantren, spanning levels from Raudlatul Athfal (RA), Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI), junior secondary, to Madrasah Aliyah (MA).
“On 2 and 3 May 2026, all students were sent back to their respective parents, and learning is being conducted online,” he said.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will also assess all students next week to determine the process of transferring them to other Islamic boarding schools or madrasahs.
He also called on all parties to monitor the legal process of the case until it is resolved in court.
The caretaker of Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School, AS (51), was successfully arrested at the Grand Mosque of Purwantoro, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, on Thursday morning.
The suspect fled after failing to appear for examination summons on Monday (4/5), prompting Pati Police Resort to plan a second summons letter on 7 May 2026.