Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women has declared sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools a national emergency. In Lombok, former students of the Abu Barokat school have shared harrowing testimonies alleging systemic sexual assault by a respected leader, Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, known as 'Abah'. Despite intense pressure from school authorities and the powerful Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI) to remain silent, survivors are seeking legal accountability. This article explores the attempts at institutional cover-ups and the personal journey of the students fighting for reform.
Why is sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools a national crisis in Indonesia?
Sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools is considered a national emergency by the National Commission on Violence Against Women in Indonesia. This classification reflects a pattern where religious institutions, which command high social respect, become sites of profound vulnerability for students. Legal experts note that many cases fail to reach the judicial system because victims face immense pressure to withdraw allegations to protect the reputation of the school or the religious community.
The culture of obedience, often encapsulated in the motto "Sami'na wa ata'na" (We hear, and we obey), can be weaponized to silence victims. In the case of the Abu Barokat school on Lombok island, this dynamic was used to maintain the status of Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, a widely respected leader known to students as "Abah." The institutional weight of organizations like the Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI), which manages hundreds of schools, adds a layer of complexity to seeking justice, as these entities often prioritize safeguarding the organization's image over individual student safety.
How did former students uncover the allegations against 'Abah'?
The investigation began when Ziadatur Rahmah, a former star pupil now studying in Cairo, shared her experience of sexual assault with her former classmate, Yusron Azzahidi. Rahmah recounted an incident at age 16 where the head teacher intercepted her in the school gardens and forced her into his residence. Her testimony acted as a catalyst for a broader, collaborative effort among former students to document systemic misconduct.
Using digital tools like WhatsApp, the group—which included students such as Wanda Hamidah and Mahima Eka—began gathering corroborating evidence and reaching out to other classmates. This collective effort led to the discovery of further victims, including Sukma Rohana, who described a harrowing attempt at rape when she was 17. The students meticulously compiled these accounts into a seven-page document, transforming individual trauma into a coordinated evidentiary record.
The role of digital evidence in building a case
A critical component of the students' investigation was the use of secret recordings. When the head teacher attempted to intimidate Yusron and Rahmah via telephone, they recorded the calls. These recordings captured the perpetrator pleading for them to "cover the shame" and offering false narratives to retract their statements. Such evidence is vital because it documents the coercion and pressure applied by the perpetrator in real time.
What were the methods used to silence the survivors?
Attempts to suppress the allegations involved a combination of psychological manipulation, institutional interference, and direct intimidation. When the students presented their findings to representatives of the NWDI, they initially believed they would receive support. However, the organization subsequently leaked the students' confidential documents to the perpetrator, enabling him to launch a campaign of intimidation against the families involved.
The methods of coercion included:
- Direct Intimidation: The perpetrator called students and their families, pleading for silence to avoid being "destroyed" by media leaks.
- Legal and Institutional Pressure: In one instance, a survivor reported being cornered by police officers and an NWDI lawyer who pressured her to sign a document claiming her allegations were lies.
- Social Stigmatization: The perpetrator's wife, Hurmiati, reportedly used the threat of social ruin, asking a survivor if she wanted the incident to "damage the chances of you getting married."
- Family Harassment: The perpetrator even attempted to involve the parents of students, creating emotional distress that forced some investigators to temporarily cease their efforts.
How is the legal battle for justice progressing?
Despite the intense pressure to retract their statements, survivors are now pursuing formal legal channels with the assistance of specialized legal counsel. After being advised to seek professional help, Sukma Rohana filed a formal claim against the head teacher with the police in February of the previous year. Her case is considered one of the strongest for ensuring a successful prosecution due to the nature of the evidence available.
Legal expert Joko Jumadi, who has handled 20 similar cases in the West Nusa Tenggara province over the last three years, suggests that these incidents represent only the "tip of the iceberg." The lawyer noted that the courage and precision of the students—specifically their ability to collect recordings of admissions and coercion—are essential for overcoming the institutional barriers typically found in these cases. While Sukma awaits police action, the perpetrator remains in his official post.
What is the impact of these revelations on the community?
The investigation has had a profound impact on both the survivors and the broader conversation regarding safety in religious schools. For Yusron and Ziadatur Rahmah, the shared pursuit of justice forged a deep bond that eventually led to their marriage. Their journey highlights the emotional toll of activism, as they navigated the tension between seeking truth and managing the resulting family stress.
Furthermore, the case has empowered other survivors to come forward. Inspired by activists like Ayu Masruroh, who has campaigned against similar abuses, Ziadatur used social media to encourage other students to share their stories. This has led to the emergence of new allegations, suggesting that the misconduct may have continued even after initial promises of reform were made. The case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for independent oversight and robust safeguarding protocols within religious educational institutions.
FAQ: Sexual abuse in Islamic boarding schools
Why are many cases not prosecuted in Indonesia?
Many cases never reach the courts because victims face significant pressure to withdraw their allegations. This pressure often comes from school authorities or religious organizations who prioritize protecting the institution's reputation and social standing over the welfare of the individual students.
What role does the NWDI play in these allegations?
The NWDI is a powerful organization that manages many Islamic schools in Indonesia. In this specific case, they were accused of failing to protect students by leaking confidential evidence to the perpetrator and, in one instance, allegedly involving legal and police figures to pressure a survivor into retracting her claim.
How can survivors find support in the UK?
If you are in the UK and have been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can access information and support through the BBC Action Line, which provides resources for those navigating these traumatic experiences.
Is the perpetrator still in his position?
Yes, despite the formal police claim filed by Sukma Rohana in February of last year, the head teacher remains in his official post while the legal process continues.
What makes the students' evidence so valuable?
The secret recordings collected by the students are exceptionally valuable because they capture the perpetrator's admissions and the specific tactics used to coerce silence. This real-time evidence provides a level of proof that is often difficult to obtain in cases involving institutional cover-ups.
Key takeaways
- Sexual abuse in Indonesian boarding schools is classified as a national emergency by official commissions.
- Survivors used secret recordings to document attempts at coercion and institutional cover-ups.
- The NWDI has been accused of failing to safeguard students by leaking sensitive information.
- Legal experts believe current reported cases represent only a small fraction of actual incidents.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Abu Barokat school reveals a systemic struggle between individual courage and institutional preservation. While the perpetrators and organizations involved have utilized various forms of intimidation to maintain the status quo, the meticulous documentation by former students has provided a blueprint for seeking accountability. The ongoing legal proceedings in Indonesia highlight the critical need for independent oversight in religious educational settings. As survivors continue to fight for justice, their actions underscore the importance of breaking the silence that has historically protected abusers within these influential institutions.