Govt ensures safe learning environment at Islamic boarding schools

hartono · Oct 14, 2025

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar (left) at the signing of a joint agreement regarding synergy in the provision of Islamic boarding school infrastructure in Jakarta on Tuesday (October 14, 2025). ANTARA/Sean Filo Muhamad/rst

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable educational environment in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).

On Tuesday, Iskandar stated that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that construction and renovation assistance be prioritized for Islamic boarding schools in vulnerable conditions, with more than a thousand students, and those unable to continue construction.

"Those students should not pursue education under vulnerable and dangerous conditions in an uncomfortable environment. Therefore, we are committed to realizing an appropriate, safe, and comfortable educational institution as part of fostering intelligence," he said on Tuesday.

He conveyed this statement at the signing of a joint agreement regarding synergy in the provision of Islamic boarding school infrastructure in Jakarta.

According to the minister, Islamic boarding schools offer uniqueness in the community's continued growing trust. Despite many limitations, the community entrusts their children's education to these institutions.

He conveyed that Islamic boarding schools throughout the country offer a variety of educational forms and models, ranging from traditional to modern. However, many still face limited facilities and infrastructure.

He mentioned that approximately 80 percent of students come from poor families since Islamic boarding schools are relatively affordable or free.

Therefore, he called for the importance of an active regional role in ensuring the safety of students through appropriate development interventions.

He also drew attention to the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments to ensure safety as a key focus in all educational infrastructure development.

Iskandar then emphasized that audits of Islamic boarding school buildings, facilitating building approvals, and providing technical assistance must be carried out comprehensively.

"We must ensure assistance in planning the construction of Islamic boarding schools, including the ease of obtaining free building approvals. We want these schools not to worry about the Building Approval (PBG)," he remarked.