Indonesian National Police Chief Praised Over Pesantren Raid
The Indonesian National Police Chief's decision to relieve the Sukoharjo Police Chief over a raid at Hamalatul Qur'an Pesantren has drawn praise.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto's decisive move to relieve the Sukoharjo Police Chief following the controversial raid at Hamalatul Qur'an Tahfiz Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Sukoharjo has drawn praise from members of the DPR RI (Indonesia's House of Representatives) and Islamic mass organizations on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The relief of the police official was carried out to allow for a thorough investigation by the internal Law and Professional Standards Division (Propam) of the National Police.
Appreciation and concern regarding this incident were expressed by legislative representatives and leaders of Islamic organizations, who viewed the decisive decision by police leadership as a responsive reaction to the aspirations and grievances voiced by pesantren caretakers and students.
DPR RI Support for Police Procedure Enforcement
According to a report by Republika, Moh Rano Alfath, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI, expressed deep appreciation for the decisiveness shown by the National Police Chief and his ranks. The politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB) noted that the swift police action demonstrates that internal oversight mechanisms are functioning properly.
As cited by Republika, Rano Alfath delivered his statement on Tuesday, November 3, 2026:
"I appreciate the firmness of the National Police Chief and his ranks in listening to the complaints of the students and pesantren caretakers, and then taking concrete steps."
Republika reported that alongside relieving the Sukoharjo Police Chief, the National Police Propam also questioned four personnel allegedly involved in the raid. Rano expressed support for an objective and thorough investigation so that any evaluation measures can be aligned with facts and applicable legal procedures. He added that the protection of students must remain a primary concern, as pesantrens serve as centers for acquiring knowledge, worship, and daily living.
Mathla'ul Anwar Highlights Victim Recovery and Psychological Impact
Meanwhile, according to a report by ANTARA, KH Jazuli Juwaini, General Chairperson of the Central Board of Mathla'ul Anwar (an Indonesian Islamic mass organization), also commended the steps taken by National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto in responding to public disappointment regarding the execution of the raid within the pesantren environment.
Regarding the primary function of a pesantren, Jazuli emphasized, as quoted by ANTARA:
"Pesantrens are institutions of education, da'wah, and moral cultivation. Students come to study and seek knowledge, not to experience fear due to the actions of authorities."
According to the ANTARA report, Jazuli urged that the investigation into this case continue in a transparent, objective, and professional manner, rather than stopping merely at the dismissal of an official. He stressed the importance of making the psychological recovery of the students and pesantren caretakers a top priority. Attention to the trauma and anxiety experienced by students following the incident can be balanced with counseling and efforts in overcoming anxiety through an Islamic approach to restore a conducive learning atmosphere.
As cited by ANTARA, Jazuli stated:
"The investigation of this case must be conducted transparently, objectively, and thoroughly, placing the interests and recovery of the victims—both the students and the pesantren caretakers—as the primary priority."
He also reminded authorities of the importance of managing the social and psychological fallout resulting from the actions of officers in the field:
"Law enforcement must not sacrifice students and pesantrens. The psychological and social impact of this incident must not be taken lightly."
Discrepancies in Investigation Records and Law Enforcement Appeals
There were differing details concerning the individuals examined by the National Police Propam across the reports of the two media outlets. Based on Republika's report, the Propam division examined four personnel allegedly involved in the search. Meanwhile, according to ANTARA, the dismissal targeted the Sukoharjo Police Chief along with several other officials as part of the ongoing inquiry by the National Police Propam Division.
KH Jazuli Juwaini stressed that the investigation should not be selective if the involvement of other parties is uncovered, as reported by ANTARA:
"Do not stop at dismissing the Police Chief. If it is proven that higher-ranking superiors or other officials were involved, do not hesitate to prosecute them according to legal provisions and impose strict sanctions."
He expressed hope that the handling of this case serves as a comprehensive evaluation for the police institution in carrying out law enforcement duties that respect ethics and human dignity. As quoted by ANTARA, Jazuli shared his expectation:
"The National Police is expected to continue strengthening professionalism and prioritizing a humanist approach so that fair and impartial law enforcement can truly be felt by the community."
Islamic Wisdom: Preserving Tranquility in Religious Educational Institutions
From an Islamic perspective, a pondok pesantren is a sacred place for acquiring religious knowledge, which requires a tranquil atmosphere filled with a sense of security. The awareness to engage in self-evaluation, listen to community grievances, and restore the psychological well-being of students reflects a shared commitment to upholding justice, honesty, and a humanist approach within societal life.
