The Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially ordered the closure of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Tlogowungu, Pati, following a disturbing sexual abuse scandal involving its students.
Moch Fatkhuronji, Head of the Islamic Boarding School Education Division at the Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs, confirmed that the decision was finalized after the school’s caretaker, Asyhari—locally known as Mbah Walid—was officially named a suspect in the abuse case. “We are issuing a formal letter today to revoke the registration permit for the Tahfidzul Quran Ndholo Islamic Boarding School,” Fatkhuronji stated at his office on Tuesday, May 5.
The facility housed 252 students, ranging from early childhood education (RA) to Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (elementary level), junior high school (SMP), and Madrasah Aliyah (senior high school). Among these students, 48 are orphans who were previously attending the school free of charge.
Despite the closure of the institution, officials are prioritizing the students’ educational continuity. Students in grades I through V of the primary level, as well as those in grades X and XI of the senior high level, will be returned to their parents to continue their studies through online learning programs. Meanwhile, junior high school students will have their educational arrangements managed by the Pati Regency Education Office.
For students in their final years of school, Fatkhuronji explained that provisions have been made to ensure they can still attend classes in preparation for their upcoming final examinations. Rather than returning to the boarding school, these students will be hosted at teachers’ homes for face-to-face instruction. Additionally, the school’s teaching staff and administrative personnel will be reassigned to nearby educational institutions.
In response to this incident, the Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to strengthen oversight of Islamic boarding schools throughout Central Java. This initiative includes the implementation of Anti-Sexual Violence Task Forces within boarding school environments. “Our primary principle is to prioritize the protection and well-being of the victims. They will receive full support, while the legal proceedings regarding the perpetrator’s actions remain in the hands of law enforcement,” Fatkhuronji emphasized.
While reports have circulated suggesting that the number of victims could be as high as 50, authorities have confirmed that, to date, eight students have formally filed reports regarding the alleged sexual abuse with the police.
Summary
The Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially revoked the operational permit of the Ndholo Kusumo Islamic Boarding School in Pati after its caretaker was named a suspect in a sexual violence case. This decisive action follows reports of misconduct involving eight victims out of the 252 students enrolled at the institution.
The government is committed to ensuring the continuity of education for all students by facilitating their return to their families, providing online learning options, or transferring them to nearby schools, particularly for those preparing for upcoming exams. As a preventive measure, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will tighten oversight and establish Anti-Sexual Violence Task Forces across all Islamic boarding schools in Central Java.