From January-July 2026, Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs Records Eleven Cases of Sexual Violence in Islamic Boarding Schools

Central Java's Ministry of Religious Affairs has reported 11 cases of sexual violence perpetrated by caregivers against female students in Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) across the province during the first seven months of 2026. Officials noted that not all of the schools implicated in these incidents held valid operational permits.

Moch Fatkhuronji, head of the Religious Education and Boarding Schools division at the Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs, stated that while 11 caregivers were involved in violent acts, "not all of them have permits." He confirmed that the operational permit for the Ndholo Kusumo boarding school in Pati Regency was revoked. Its founder and caregiver, Ashari bin Karsana, was arrested in late April 2026 on suspicion of sexually assaulting students.

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The one that has been revoked (the boarding school permit) is the one in Pati. The others have been severely warned. While the incidents (sexual violence against female students in boarding schools) in Pekalongan, Demak, were unlicensed. Meaning the local government has the authority to close them.

Fatkhuronji explained that schools in Pekalongan and Demak, which lacked permits, were the responsibility of local governments for closure. However, schools with existing permits that receive strong warnings face potential revocation if further misconduct, particularly sexual violence, occurs. "Because they have violated the rules of exemplary conduct. So, the exemplary conduct of the caregiver, the kiai, if it happens again, it can be revoked immediately," he asserted.

The ministry conducts reviews and assessments of implicated schools. Fatkhuronji indicated that at least four aspects are evaluated before deciding whether to maintain or revoke a school's operational license. This process aims to ensure accountability and student safety within the pesantren system.

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Because they have violated the rules of exemplary conduct. So, the exemplary conduct of the caregiver, the kiai, if it happens again, it can be revoked immediately.