A deeply concerning case of alleged sexual abuse has emerged at an Islamic boarding school in Cicantayan District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. This distressing development has cast a shadow over the educational institution.
LBH Pro Ummat, a prominent legal aid organization advocating for the victims, has identified six female students, known as santriwati, who have allegedly suffered abuse. Of these, two victims, accompanied by their parents, have already bravely come forward to file formal reports.
Rangga Suria Danuningrat, a legal representative for the victims’ parents from LBH Pro Ummat, revealed that the victims were typically between 14 and 15 years old when the alleged incidents commenced. Disturbingly, the abuse is suspected to have begun as early as 2021, meaning some of the victims have now reached 18 years of age while enduring this prolonged ordeal.
“The average age was 14-15 years at the time of the incidents. The abuse has been ongoing since 2021, and some victims are now even 18 years old,” Rangga confirmed on Wednesday (26/12).
Revealed in 2023, But Silenced
According to Rangga, the details of this deeply troubling case were actually known as early as 2023. However, the process of bringing the allegations to light was significantly hampered by intense intimidation and verbal threats.
“It was actually known in 2023. The only obstacles were intimidation and verbal threats. Currently, there are no threats of physical violence, but there were warnings not to speak out, fearing it would be a disgrace and harm the pesantren’s reputation,” he explained, highlighting the immense pressure faced by those who wished to report the abuse.
Modus Operandi: Diplomas and Treatment
The alleged modus operandi employed by the perpetrator was varied and manipulative, ranging from persuasion and seduction to exploiting victims under the guise of providing traditional treatment or offering diplomas for spiritual knowledge. These methods were used to gain trust and control over the vulnerable students.
Rangga further elaborated that while the acts committed did not escalate to sexual intercourse, they encompassed a range of deeply inappropriate and indecent acts against the victims.
“The harassment did not involve sexual intercourse; instead, it included touching, undressing, being taken to a hotel, being groped, and kissed,” he detailed, painting a grim picture of the physical and emotional violations endured.
Perpetrator: Boarding School Leader
In a shocking revelation, Rangga identified the alleged perpetrator as a single male individual: a prominent leader within the very Islamic boarding school where the incidents occurred.
“The perpetrator is a single individual: the leader of the pesantren, who is also a well-known preacher,” he added, underscoring the severe breach of trust.
The victims were identified as “santri kalong,” a term for students who attend religious lessons without residing at the boarding school, typically living in the surrounding areas. The alleged incidents took place both within the pesantren premises and, at times, alarmingly, involved victims being taken to a hotel.
Victims Traumatized, Briefly Stopped Schooling
The psychological impact on the victims is reportedly severe and profound, leaving lasting scars on their young lives.
“Yes, they are deeply traumatized. They cried constantly. They had to be persuaded to continue their education through alternative schooling packages. They had stopped attending school due to the trauma after the incidents,” Rangga stated, emphasizing the devastating effect on their education and well-being.
Furthermore, one victim is tragically suspected to have experienced repeated abuse over a prolonged period, specifically between 2021 and 2025. “It wasn’t a one-time incident; the harassment was continuous,” he emphasized, highlighting the persistent nature of the abuse for some individuals.
Reporting to Sukabumi Regency Police
The victims were initially directed by the Sukabumi City Police to file their formal reports with the Sukabumi Regency Police, as the legal jurisdiction for the case falls under the Palabuhanratu area. This ensures the correct legal process is followed.
Currently, the dedicated victim support team is actively coordinating with the Office of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A). This collaboration aims to secure ongoing and comprehensive assistance for the victims in the North Sukabumi region, providing them with much-needed support as they navigate this difficult period.
Summary
A deeply concerning case of alleged sexual abuse involving six female students (santriwati) has emerged at an Islamic boarding school in Sukabumi, West Java. The alleged perpetrator is identified as a prominent leader and preacher of the pesantren. The abuse, which began as early as 2021 when victims were typically 14-15 years old, involved indecent acts such as touching, undressing, groping, and kissing, but not sexual intercourse. Initial efforts to report the incidents in 2023 were hampered by intimidation and verbal threats.
Legal aid organization LBH Pro Ummat is assisting the victims, with two having already filed formal reports with the Sukabumi Regency Police. The perpetrator allegedly used manipulative tactics, including promises of traditional treatment or spiritual diplomas, to gain trust. The victims have suffered severe trauma, leading some to temporarily discontinue their schooling. Authorities are now coordinating with the Office of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection to provide comprehensive support for the victims.