Islamic Boarding School in Semarang Closed After Caregiver Becomes Sexual Violence Suspect

The Al-Jaelani Islamic boarding school (Ponpes) in Semarang, Central Java, has been shut down by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This action comes after the caregiver, Achmad Fauzi, 39, was named a suspect in an alleged sexual violence case involving students at the institution.

According to Moch Fatkhuronji, Head of Religious Education and Islamic Boarding Schools at the Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs office, the pesantren not only faced allegations of sexual violence but also lacked an operational permit. "It does not have a permit and has already been closed. The perpetrator has also been detained by the Semarang Police," Fatkhuronji stated.

Fatkhuronji recalled that the closure likely occurred in February, carried out by law enforcement officials. He mentioned that Achmad Fauzi was the sole instructor at the pesantren, which housed approximately 15 students. These students have since been sent home or transferred to other schools. The legal process against Fauzi has advanced to the prosecution stage, with the case being handed over to the Semarang City Prosecutor's Office.