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)