Repentent hoodlums attend 'pesantren'

Repentent hoodlums attend 'pesantren'

BANDUNG, West Java: More than 80 young men netted in recent
operations against street criminals have been enrolled at an
Islamic boarding school, or pesantren, for moral guidance.

The education program for the former street thugs is being
conducted by the Al Muawanah Tutugan boarding school in Garut,
southeast of here, and was officially opened by West Java
Governor R. Nuriana last week.

The governor said the former hoodlums' education will be aimed
at rehabilitating their moral attitude so that they can be
returned to their neighborhoods.

"The hoodlums need moral and religious treatment because they
are suffering from mental illness," he said as quoted by Antara.

He said the new students would undergo a 45-day intensive
guidance course conducted by the boarding school's senior
teachers. The government will also send them on vocational
training programs. (rms)