Indonesia's Religious Affairs Ministry pushes for closure of religious center amid sex abuse allegations

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) is urging local authorities to shut down Padepokan Padang Ati in Pekalongan, Central Java, due to alleged sexual violence perpetrated by its caregivers. The ministry clarified that the facility, despite housing students referred to as 'santri,' is not officially recognized as an Islamic boarding school (pesantren).

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The thing is, if it doesn't have a permit, then just close it down by the local government.

Moch Fatkhuronji, head of religious education and pesantren at the Kemenag provincial office, stated that if the padepokan lacks proper permits, the local government should close it. "The thing is, if it doesn't have a permit, then just close it down by the local government," he said. Kemenag lacks the authority to take direct action against the padepokan because it is not a registered pesantren.

Fatkhuronji confirmed that Kemenag Pekalongan is coordinating with relevant local agencies, including social services and education departments, to manage the 350-plus students residing at the facility. Many students have already been sent home. Six former female students are reportedly among those who have allegedly been sexually assaulted. The case is currently being handled by the local police, who have made arrests.

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The thing is, if it doesn't have a permit, then just close it down by the local government.

While the exact establishment date and operational history of Padepokan Padang Ati remain unclear, Kemenag is compiling a detailed report on the institution, including student numbers, founding history, and staff information. Some students attending formal madrasah education have been temporarily placed with a teacher to continue their studies.

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The thing is, if it doesn't have a permit, then just close it down by the local government.