Permit for Ndolo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Pati Revoked Following Sexual Violence Case

Pati (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revoked the operational permit of Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo in Tlogosari Village, Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency, Central Java, following allegations of sexual violence by the educational institution’s caretaker against female students. “We do not tolerate perpetrators of sexual violence in the slightest,” said the Head of the Pati Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Ahmad Syaiku, during a press conference on the arrest of the suspect AS at the Pati Police Resort Headquarters on Thursday. He appreciated the swift action by the police 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 stated. Ahmad expressed concern over the incident, as it damages the image of pesantren as institutions for character building and Islamic education. He added that the operational permit for Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo was officially revoked as of 5 May 2026. In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has ensured the continuity of education for the students. There are 252 students recorded at the pesantren, comprising levels from Raudlatul Athfal (RA), Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI), SMP, to Madrasah Aliyah (MA). “On 2 and 3 May 2026, all students were returned to their respective parents, and learning is being conducted online,” he said. He also called on all parties to monitor the legal process of the case until it is resolved in court. The caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Ndolo Kusumo, AS (51), was successfully arrested at the Purwantoro Grand Mosque, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, on Thursday morning. The suspect fled after failing to appear for examination on Monday (4/5), prompting the Pati Police Resort to plan a second summons letter on 7 May 2026.