The government is determined not to close any educational institution
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Activities at Al Zaytun Boarding School will not be suspended to protect its students' right to education, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, has said.

The school, which is based in Indramayu district, West Java, and is managed by Panji Gumilang, has lately come under the media spotlight for allegedly spreading heretic teachings that deviate from Islam.

"The government is determined not to close any educational institution. (The government) will continue to foster and develop it according to the pupils' and their parent's Constitutional right ... to selecting their preferred education," Mahfud affirmed at the Presidential Palace here on Tuesday.

Although the school will not be suspended, the government will continue to supervise the institution, particularly its educational materials, he said.

As Al Zaytun has grown into a quality educational institution, which can foster quality pupils, the government will rescue the school and not shutter it.

"But how we will rescue the school hinges on the legal status of Panji Gumilang," Mahfud informed.

According to the minister, Gumilang is currently being investigated following public complaints of suspected blasphemy at the school, a punishable offense under Presidential Resolution No. 1/PNPS/1965 on the prevention of blasphemy and abuse of religion.

As the government also suspects that money laundering has been carried out at the school, hundreds of banking accounts linked to Al Zaytun, including accounts belonging to Gumilang and several foundations, have been blocked, he informed.

Mahfud emphasized that the legal process should not be undertaken hastily, adding that a notification to begin a police investigation (SPDP) into the case has been issued.

"Regarding the follow-up legal actions, such as summoning, detention, trial, or others, we should be cautious," he said.

The West Java provincial authorities and security officers are handling the security aspect of the boarding school, he added.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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