Indonesian rights body calls for psychological care after police search of Sukoharjo Islamic boarding school

SUKOHARJO — Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has called for psychological recovery for students, teachers and two toddlers who were reportedly traumatised by a police search of the Hamalatul Qur'an Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo, Central Java, on 27 October 2026.

According to Komnas HAM, the search was carried out by joint personnel from the Central Java Regional Police, the Sukoharjo Resort Police and the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit at about 03.20 western Indonesia time. Komnas HAM chairwoman Anis Hidayah made the statement in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 November.

Account of the raid

A letter dated 29 October 2026 from the Al-Mukmin Da'wah and Social Foundation, which runs the school, says dozens of armed officers forced open the door of the boarding house while 12 students aged 10 to 16 and four female teachers (ustazah) were sleeping. The letter also says officers threatened people with weapons and pulled out students who were not wearing headscarves (jilbab). These claims come from the foundation's letter. Komnas HAM said it had received them as initial information.

Fifteen residents, including two children aged three and five, were taken to the Mojolaban Police Sector and the Sukoharjo Resort Police without a parent, guardian or lawyer present. All were sent home after questioning because police found no evidence linking them to the criminal case under investigation.

Reports say the incident traumatised the students, disrupted lessons and left unresolved the return of seized belongings.

Reactions

Anis Hidayah said that the school's administrative status, even if it had no official permit, could not justify the way the search was carried out. "Law enforcement officers must still comply with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and child protection provisions," Anis said.

On Saturday, 1 November, the female students of the Ma'had Al-Abqari Indonesia issued a statement through an Instagram account, expressing solidarity with the Hamalatul Qur'an students. The statement called for any alleged intimidation and procedural violations to be investigated transparently and independently. It did not give further details of the allegations.

Why it matters

Komnas HAM said the search raised concerns about privacy, safety and dignity for girls at a boarding school, particularly because it took place in the early hours and without a female police officer (Polwan) present. It said any use of force by officers must be proportionate and necessary.

Komnas HAM also said children who are questioned are entitled to special protection, including the presence of a parent or guardian, a community supervisor and a lawyer, under Indonesia's juvenile criminal justice system.

Background

The search followed a separate case. Central Java police said they were investigating the burning of a pork noodle stall (warung mi babi) in Parangjoro village, Grogol district, Sukoharjo, on 12 September 2026. According to Antara, police arrested one suspect, identified by the initials ST, a former convicted terrorism prisoner, on 19 October. On 30 October, Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Roy Hardi Siahaan said police were searching for a second suspect, identified as I. The sources do not state whether the Hamalatul Qur'an raid was linked to these suspects or to the stall fire.

What happens next

Komnas HAM said it will ask the police, the foundation, the students and the head of the Sukoharjo Women and Child Protection Technical Unit (UPTD PPA) for information to follow up the initial findings. It has asked the Central Java police chief to review standard operating procedures for searches of women's boarding schools. These would include involving female officers and religious leaders, and avoiding searches between 22.00 and 06.00 unless there is a real threat to life. It has also asked for the return of unrelated personal belongings and for the police cordon at the school to be lifted so classes can resume.

Komnas HAM also asked for support from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection. The sources do not say whether police have responded to these requests.