In Lombok, Indonesia, police have detained Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar—known to students as “Abah”—following a BBC Eye investigation that documented allegations of sexual abuse by former pupils.
Sumar headed the Abul Barokat Islamic boarding school and was accused of abusing several students while in charge. Former pupils Ziadatur Rahmah (“Zia”) and Sukma Rohana Fajar spearheaded a citizen investigation after Zia confided that she was sexually assaulted at age 17.
The pair collected testimonies, compiled a seven‑page complaint and presented it to the school’s governing body. Instead of supporting the allegations, management reportedly pressured them to withdraw, and a secretly recorded phone conversation between Sumar and a student further implicates him.
The BBC report triggered a public outcry: parents of enrolled children left the campus the following day, and 12 additional former students came forward with similar claims. Police subsequently interviewed each victim, and the investigation has prompted renewed scrutiny of the school’s oversight.
While Sumar resigned amid the allegations, the organization that runs the school, NWDI, denied any cover‑up and confirmed an internal review is underway. The group pledged reforms to safeguard student rights and prevent future incidents.
For full coverage, watch the BBC’s “Catching My Teacher” series on iPlayer or listen to the accompanying podcast.
