Daniel Perez – News Editor — Former field producer and on‑air correspondent covering U.S.
Four Sukoharjo Police Officers Sidelined After Raiding Islamic Boarding Schools
Four senior police officers in Sukoharjo, Central Java, have been removed from their posts following a controversial raid on Islamic boarding schools that reportedly traumatized students and teachers, detikNews reported. The National Police’s internal affairs division is currently investigating the officials for alleged procedural violations during the late October operations. Alongside AKBP Andika Dharma Sena, the National Police also removed three other personnel connected to the case: Iptu AS who served as Kasat Reskrim, Ipda FA as Kanit Pidum, and Ipda RAP as Kanit PPA.
The crackdown follows public scrutiny and political backlash over police conduct during an investigation into the destruction of a local eatery. Lawmakers and child protection advocates condemned the tactical approach used against minor female students.
Internal Affairs Investigates the Sukoharjo Raid
The Indonesian National Police stripped four personnel of their commands after families and community members lodged formal complaints. Karo Penmas Divisi Humas Polri Brigjen Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko stated that the officers are undergoing questioning at the Propam Mabes Polri headquarters in South Jakarta, as reported by detikNews.
The removed officers include Sukoharjo Police Chief AKBP Andika Dharma Sena, who had served in the role for less than a month after taking office on October 6, 2026, according to Compass, In a process led by Central Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Roy Hardi Siahaan to replace AKBP Anggaito Hadi Prabowo. Alongside him, investigators sidelined Head of Criminal Investigation Unit, First Inspector Agung Sedewo, Head of General Crimes Unit, First Inspector FA, and Head of PPA Unit, First Inspector RAP. The position was filled by AKBP Indra Maulana Saputra, formerly the police chief in Boyolali, while command of Boyolali was assigned to AKBP Christopher Adhikara Lebang, formerly the Head of the Registration Sub-Directorate at the Central Java Regional Police Traffic Directorate.
The operational fallout prompted an immediate leadership shuffle. According to Compass, National Police issued Telegram Letter Number ST/2463/XI/KEP./2026 on November 2, 2026, reassigning former Boyolali Police Chief AKBP Indra Maulana Saputra to take over the Sukoharjo command.
Investigation Into Restaurant Vandalism Triggers School Search
The police actions originated from an ongoing investigation into the arson and vandalism of the “Mi dan Babi Tepi Sawah” noodle shop in Parangjoro village, Grogol, which occurred on September 12, 2026. On October 27, 2026, officers descended upon the Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school compounds located in Sukoharjo and Karanganyar regencies to gather evidence.
However, the execution of the search drew sharp criticism from legislative figures and human rights groups. House of Representatives member Tifatul Sembiring publicly criticized the Central Java Regional Police for deploying heavily armed personnel into a girls’ dormitory during the early hours, noting that students were allegedly ordered outside without hijabs and forced to lie down on the ground, according to a statement published by the PKS. Tifatul also demanded the removal of the Central Java Regional Police Chief and urged the House’s Commission III to evaluate the regional leadership.
Adding to the administrative complexities, the Kompas.id network reported that child protection authorities and the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed the Hamalatul Quran facility operated as a Quranic study house rather than holding formal official pesantren licensing under the 2019 Pesantren Law. Following the search, students were sent home, but teaching activities were suspended while the location remained sealed off with police lines.
Official Regret and Institutional Fallout
Following widespread condemnation from organizations including the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), police leadership expressed formal remorse over the operation’s collateral impact.
Brigjen Trunoyudo acknowledged the psychological trauma experienced by female students and teachers, affirming that the institution respects boarding schools as foundational centers for moral and religious education. The ongoing Propam inquiry seeks to establish whether the responding officers violated professional ethics and standard operational procedures regarding vulnerable populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sukoharjo Police Overhaul
Why were the Sukoharjo police officers removed from their positions?
Four officers, including the local police chief, were relieved of duty after conducting a raid on the Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding schools that drew heavy criticism for alleged intimidation and procedural overreach against female students.
Who replaced the former Sukoharjo Police Chief?
AKBP Indra Maulana Saputra, who previously served as the police chief in Boyolali, took over the Sukoharjo command following the reassignment of AKBP Andika Dharma Sena on November 2, 2026.
What specific incident prompted the initial police investigation?
Officers targeted the boarding schools while searching for suspects involved in the September 12, 2026, arson and vandalism of a noodle restaurant located in Parangjoro village.
