After a BBC Eye investigation revealed numerous sexual abuse allegations, former headmaster Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar of an Islamic boarding school on Lombok Island has been arrested and is awaiting court dates.
Students who claimed they were assaulted by Sumar, locally known as Abah, provided written testimonies and evidence that prompted the police to reopen the case. The investigation was launched following the BBC’s coverage, which included secretly recorded phone calls and documents compiled by two former students, Zaidah and Sukma.
The backlash from the public was swift, with an additional twelve former pupils coming forward to corroborate the abuse allegations. The school’s governing body, NWDI, insists it is conducting an internal probe and intends to prevent future incidents.
Sumar has resigned from his position and said he will cooperate fully with the legal process, while the school vows to safeguard the rights of students who speak up. The case highlights the importance of listening to victims and closing gaps in safeguarding in educational institutions.
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