Sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools: Lombok's fight

How did the investigation into sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools begin?

The investigation was sparked by a personal revelation shared between former classmates who had become university students. Ziadatur Rahmah, a former student at the Abu Barokat school in Lombok, disclosed to her friend Yusron Azzahidi that she had been sexually assaulted by their head teacher, Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, when she was 16 years old. The incident occurred within the school premises when Sumar intercepted her and led her to his residence.

Upon hearing this account, Yusron felt a profound conflict between the school's motto of absolute obedience—"Sami'na wa ata'na" (We hear, and we obey)—and the moral necessity to act. He coordinated with Rahmah and other former students, including Wanda Hamidah and Mahima Eka, to begin gathering corroborating evidence. This process involved reaching out to old classmates via digital platforms like WhatsApp to identify other potential victims and patterns of behavior.

What are the specific allegations against the head teacher?

Multiple former students have provided testimonies describing predatory encounters facilitated by the teacher's position of authority. The allegations include instances of sexual touching, attempted rape, and exploitation of students under the guise of religious or personal mentorship.

Detailed accounts of survivor testimonies

The testimonies gathered by the group paint a disturbing picture of the environment at the Abu Barokat school. Ziadatur Rahmah described being forced into physical contact during a period when she was a minor, an event that left her feeling "ruined." Another student, Sukma Rohana, provided a harrowing account of an attempted rape when she was 17. According to her testimony, Sumar lured her into his home under the pretext of new year's prayers before attempting to assault her. Rohana managed to escape by physically resisting the attacker.

As the investigation progressed, Yusron compiled a seven-page document outlining the alleged abuse of Sukma, Ziadatur, and four other former students. The documentation was not merely anecdotal; it was a structured effort to create a legal basis for prosecution, supported by the growing number of survivors willing to speak out.

How did institutional figures attempt to suppress the allegations?

Attempts to silence the victims involved both direct psychological pressure and institutional interference. When the students initially approached the Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI)—the powerful organization managing the school—they were initially met with promises of assistance. However, this cooperation quickly turned into a campaign of intimidation.

The NWDI appears to have leaked Yusron's confidential documents to the accused, leading to direct confrontations. Sumar used these opportunities to plead for silence, attempting to frame the abuse as "mistakes" that should be covered up to avoid shame. In one instance, Sukma Rohana reported being cornered by police officers and an NWDI lawyer, who pressured her to sign a document claiming her allegations were false.

The role of familial and social pressure

The pressure to remain silent extended beyond the school administration to the victims' families and social standing. Sumar's wife, Hurmiati, reportedly used social stigma as a weapon, questioning whether the survivors wanted the incidents to "haunt" them or damage their future marriage prospects. This environment of shame is a significant barrier to justice in many Indonesian boarding schools, where the reputation of the institution is often prioritized over the safety of the children.

What evidence has been collected to support the claims?

The most critical evidence in this case consists of secret audio recordings made by the survivors. These recordings capture the accused making admissions of guilt and exerting pressure on the victims to retract their statements. For example, recordings exist of Sumar pleading with Yusron to lie and of Ziadatur capturing Sumar admitting to the abuse while begging for silence.

Legal expert Joko Jumadi, who is representing the survivors, noted that these recordings are "exceptionally valuable" because they capture the coercive tactics used in real-time. According to Jumadi, the recordings provide direct evidence of the accused acknowledging the victims, which is essential for a criminal prosecution. The lawyer highlighted that such precision in evidence collection is rare but vital in cases involving high-profile religious figures.

What is the current status of the legal proceedings?

Despite the collection of significant evidence, the path to justice remains slow and fraught with obstacles. Sukma Rohana filed a formal police claim against Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar in February of the previous year, yet she continues to wait for official law enforcement action. As of the latest reports, Sumar remains in his position at the school.

The NWDI has maintained that it is conducting an internal investigation and has denied any attempt to cover up abuse. The organization stated it has a duty to protect the institution from being tarnished by the alleged actions of individuals. This tension between institutional self-protection and individual accountability is a central theme in the ongoing struggle for reform in Indonesia's religious education sector.

FAQ: Sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools

Why is sexual abuse in these schools considered a national emergency in Indonesia?

The National Commission on Violence Against Women has labeled it an emergency due to the high frequency of cases and the systemic difficulty in bringing perpetrators to justice. Many victims are pressured into silence by powerful religious institutions and social stigmas surrounding shame and reputation.

How do survivors overcome the pressure to stay silent?

Survivors often find strength through collective action and digital connectivity. By forming support networks on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, and by utilizing secret recordings to document coercion, they can bypass traditional institutional barriers and build a stronger case for legal intervention.

What role does the NWDI play in these allegations?

The NWDI is the powerful organization that manages the school and many others. While they have claimed to be investigating internally, survivors have accused the organization of facilitating cover-ups by leaking confidential documents to the accused and using legal representatives to intimidate victims.

Can secret recordings be used as evidence in court?

Yes, according to legal experts like Joko Jumadi, secret recordings can be vital pieces of evidence. They can capture admissions of guilt and the specific ways in which perpetrators or institutions attempt to coerce victims into retracting their testimonies.

What are the challenges in prosecuting these cases?

Challenges include the immense social power of the accused, the influence of religious organizations, and the use of intimidation tactics. Additionally, the slow response from law enforcement can discourage victims and allow perpetrators to remain in positions of authority.