A palpable silence has fallen over Pondok Pesantren Tahfidzul Qur’an Ndholo Kusumo in Tlogowungu District, Pati Regency. On Tuesday (May 5), the normally bustling Islamic boarding school was conspicuously deserted, with no customary teaching or learning activities taking place. This abrupt stillness follows a significant upheaval after the pesantren’s caretaker, identified as Asyhari, was named a suspect in a case, leading to widespread concern and a mass evacuation of students.
Local resident Anwar provided insights into the events leading to the pesantren’s current state. He explained that following a series of demonstrations and official appeals for the immediate evacuation of all students, or santri, parents swiftly responded. They flocked to the institution, ensuring their children’s prompt departure from the premises.
As of now, the extensive campus stands vacant. Every student has been taken home, including those from the 6th grade of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) who were residing at the pesantren. “It’s only been quiet for two days. All the students went home yesterday. There are no longer any students here,” Anwar confirmed from the location, emphasizing the sudden and complete absence of the student body.
Anwar further elaborated on the contingency plans made for the 6th-grade MI students, who were scheduled to take their final semester examinations. To accommodate their diverse circumstances, two distinct options were provided: students originating from outside the immediate area were permitted to take their exams online, while local residents could still attend the school for their in-person assessments.
According to Anwar, the student population at Ponpes Ndholo Kusumo was quite varied, with many hailing from regions beyond Pati. He noted that some students came from as far as Kudus and Jakarta, indicating a broader reach for the Islamic boarding school. These students were reportedly picked up by their parents using a mix of transportation, including both cars and motorcycles, showcasing the urgency and coordination involved in their departure. Anwar, however, did not have information regarding students from outside Java, highlighting the geographical scope of the evacuation efforts.
Summary
Pondok Pesantren Tahfidzul Qur’an Ndholo Kusumo in Pati Regency is now deserted, with no students or activities. This abrupt stillness follows the naming of the pesantren’s caretaker, Asyhari, as a suspect in a case. Following demonstrations and official appeals, parents swiftly evacuated all students from the premises. Consequently, the entire campus stands vacant.
Contingency plans were made for 6th-grade Madrasah Ibtidaiyah students’ final exams, offering online options for non-local students and in-person assessments for local residents. The pesantren had a diverse student body, with many originating from regions like Kudus and Jakarta. Parents urgently picked up these students, highlighting the wide reach of the evacuation efforts.