Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, a former headmaster of the Abul Barokat boarding school in Lombok, Indonesia, has been named a suspect in a sexual abuse investigation and detained by police after a BBC Eye report. The investigation revealed accusations of sexual abuse against him, prompting police to reopen the case. Following the report, 12 additional former students provided testimony to the authorities.
The BBC investigation focused on former students Ziadatur Rahmah, known as Zia, and Sukma Rohana Fajar, who initiated their own inquiry after Zia alleged that Sumar had sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Zia, while studying in Cairo, confided in classmate Yusron Azzahidi, who suggested they gather evidence. They spoke to other former classmates, including Sukma, who alleged that Sumar attempted to rape her.
Yusron compiled a seven-page document detailing the allegations and submitted it to Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI), the organization that managed the school. Contrary to their expectations of support, the students reported feeling pressured to retract their accusations. In a secretly recorded phone call, Sumar urged Yusron to protect his reputation, stating, "Cover the shame of your teacher. Everyone makes mistakes, my child."
Sumar later held a news conference denying the allegations but did not dispute the authenticity of the recorded calls, claiming they were not confessions. Sukma reported being coerced into signing a document that labeled her allegations as false. She also recorded a conversation with Sumar's wife, who indicated that the document was meant to protect their family's reputation.
After the BBC report, parents began withdrawing their children from the school, with one mother expressing distress upon hearing the news. Yusron noted that the response from former students was overwhelming, with many reaching out to share their own experiences of abuse.
Police have interviewed Zia, Sukma, and the additional former students who came forward. Zia expressed shock at learning that many others shared similar experiences. Sukma stated that she felt relieved that the allegations were being taken seriously, emphasizing the importance of acknowledgment rather than revenge. Sumar has resigned from the school and stated he will respect the legal process.
NWDI has denied attempting to cover up the allegations and stated that it is conducting an internal investigation. The organization pledged to prevent future abuse and to protect the rights of students who report incidents.