Jember Regency Has the Highest Number of Islamic Boarding Schools in East Java

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) recorded 4,452 Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) spread across East Java. Jember Regency has the highest number, with 611 Islamic boarding schools.

Sampang Regency ranks second with 352 Islamic boarding schools, followed by Bojonegoro Regency with 262.

Next, Kediri and Pamekasan Regencies each have 250 and 218 Islamic boarding schools, respectively. Pasuruan Regency has 189.

Madiun City has the fewest Islamic boarding schools in East Java, with only 8. Above it are Mojokerto City and Probolinggo City, with 11 and 13 Islamic boarding schools respectively.

Kemenag also reported that East Java has the highest number of resident students (santri), reaching 323,300. The number of Islamic boarding schools in East Java is the third highest after West Java and Banten.

East Java is also known for its excellent Islamic boarding schools. Examples include the modern Darussalam Gontor Islamic boarding school in Ponorogo, Langitan Islamic boarding school in Tuban, Lirboyo Islamic boarding school in Kediri, and Tebuireng Islamic boarding school in Jombang.