West Java Governor Revokes SMK IDN Bogor Licence, Parents Storm State Building
Dozens of parents of SMK Islamic Development Network (IDN) Boarding School students stormed the Bale Pananggeuhan at the State Building (Gedung Sate) on Tuesday, 10 March, protesting against West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s revocation of the school’s operating licence.
The parents arrived around 10:00 am and concluded their dialogue with various parties at approximately 13:30 pm.
Sri Malahayati, a representative of the SMK IDN Bogor parents’ association, explained that the protestors were guardians of year 12 students. “We wanted to appeal to the honourable West Java Governor, Pak Dedi Mulyadi. We were very shocked by the Governor’s Decree revoking the school’s operational licence in the middle of the academic year,” she stated.
According to her, it is now March, and students will soon sit their examinations. The issuance of the decree naturally caused concern. “We are worried because the state has not presented itself to understand what our children need and their right to continue their education,” she explained.
Sri highlighted that the issue extended beyond the fate of a handful of students. It affected the continuity of hundreds of students enrolled at the school. “Especially year 12 students, who are at the finish line with only three months remaining before they should receive their diplomas,” she said.
Nurdyanti, another parent guardian, added that the current priority was the students’ future. She wanted an opportunity for year 12 pupils in particular to complete their education through to the end of the academic year. “Until they receive their official diploma from IDN. When it comes to educational institutions, they are also managing various matters, so give them an opportunity too. So we want the state and government to be present in that regard,” she stated.
According to gathered information, the SMK IDN controversy emerged in November 2025, stemming from a student’s expulsion from the pesantren due to alleged disciplinary violations. The parents did not accept this and filed a legal notice and civil lawsuit. The school countered with a criminal complaint. The dispute has since expanded regarding the school’s legal status, culminating in news of the Governor’s Decree revoking the school’s licence.