UIN Jakarta Involved in Heated Dispute with Islamic School in Pamulang

Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta is embroiled in a dispute with the management of schools under the Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Foundation (YSH) in Pamulang, South Tangerang, Banten.

The dispute escalated on Saturday night (22/8), when YSH chairman Ilham Aufa claimed that dozens of people he described as thugs attacked the Pamulang Islamic School (SIP) in the early hours of Saturday at 3 a.m. local time.

The incident even triggered a shoving match when the two groups met at the site, which includes a kindergarten and a primary school.

Ilham said the group took control of the school buildings and erected wire fencing around the perimeter of the Pamulang Islamic Kindergarten and Primary School. He alleged that a figure believed to be UIN Jakarta Vice Rector II, Imam Subchi, was among the group.

“We only learned of the takeover after the thugs had occupied the SIP building, because at that hour we were all resting,” Ilham said.

South Tangerang Police Chief AKBP Boy Jumalolo, along with officers from the South Tangerang Police and the Indonesian military, went directly to the scene to mediate between the two opposing groups.

Police also asked residents who had gathered around the site to disperse in order to maintain security and order. After a period of engagement, the crowd began to leave the area, and the situation gradually became conducive.

YSH chairman Ilham Aufa described the incident as an act of thuggery and alleged that similar actions had previously occurred at Madrasah Pembangunan and Triguna School.

He also argued that UIN Jakarta’s takeover of SIP and several other schools had no legal basis. According to him, the action contradicted a Jakarta Administrative Court ruling that annulled Minister of Religious Affairs Decree No. 1543 concerning the integration of UIN with three foundations.

“There is no legal basis for UIN Jakarta to take any action regarding schools managed by the foundation, including SIP. The legal basis in the form of the ministerial decree has been annulled by the Jakarta Administrative Court,” he said.

Ilham said the action had caused concern among teachers, education staff and parents, and could potentially disrupt teaching and learning activities.

“We ask UIN Jakarta to respect and comply with the ongoing legal process at the Depok District Court, the Jakarta Administrative Court and the police. Do not use thugs in matters concerning the education sector,” Ilham said.

Head of UIN Jakarta’s Information and Public Relations Centre, Zaenal Muttaqin, denied the allegation that thugs were used in the early Saturday incident.

Zaenal said those referred to as “thugs” were UIN Jakarta security personnel assigned to secure the school environment and state assets. The installation of wire fencing was also carried out to “ensure the school environment remains orderly”.

“We need to clarify that they are not thugs. They are UIN Jakarta security personnel carrying out their duties. Their presence is part of UIN Jakarta’s responsibility to safeguard state assets located within the school environment,” Zaenal said.

“The installation of the wire fencing is part of efforts to create a sense of safety and comfort in the implementation of teaching and learning activities. This is a preventive measure to ensure the school environment remains orderly and to limit access for unauthorised parties,” he said.

Zaenal explained that the transfer of management of the Pamulang Islamic Kindergarten and Primary School was carried out as part of UIN Jakarta’s efforts to safeguard and ensure the management of state assets in the form of land and buildings covering approximately 8,000 square metres with a value of at least Rp160 billion.

“We want to ensure that state assets remain secure and are used according to their intended purpose. This security measure is not intended to disrupt school activities, let alone cause fear. On the contrary, it is part of efforts to ensure that the assets and the educational environment are protected,” Zaenal said.

“We urge students and parents not to worry. Teaching and learning activities will continue as usual. There is nothing to be concerned about,” he said.

South Tangerang Police Chief AKBP Boy Jumalolo asked all parties to respect the ongoing legal process and refrain from taking actions that could aggravate the situation.

“We ask all parties not to be provoked and not to take actions that could worsen the atmosphere. Public security and order are our priority,” he said.

“We invite all parties to prioritise dialogue, respect the legal process, and jointly maintain a conducive situation,” he said.

The dispute is still ongoing in a number of legal channels, including the Depok District Court, the Jakarta Administrative Court, and police proceedings.