Heated controversy - 'Pesantren' heresy claims by Islamic school in West Java spark rights concerns in Indonesia

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil speaks in front of civil servants as they gather for dawn prayers at Al Jabbar Grand Mosque in Gedebage, Bandung, on Dec 30, 2022. - Antara-Jakarta Post ANN

JAKARTA, June 24 (Jakarta Post/ANN): An Islamic school in West Java faces potential closure over allegations of heresy and links to religious separatists, raising concerns about a crackdown on religious freedom that could further muddy a highly political year.

For some time, the Al-Zaytun pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Indramayu has been considered a source of controversy for the local population in West Java.