Pesantren Leader Resigns Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, also known as Abah AIS, the leader of the Abul Barokat Wannafahat Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) in Jonggat District, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, has announced his resignation from his position. This decision comes after he was reported to the police for alleged sexual assault against female students at the pesantren. During a press conference held at a hotel in Mataram on Wednesday night (23/9/2026), Imanuddin stated that he made the decision to resign with a sincere heart to respond to the current situation and to ensure that all teaching and learning activities at the pesantren continue normally without disruption. He emphasized that the issues he is currently facing are personal and unrelated to the Abul Barokat Wannafahat Pesantren. He expressed his unwillingness for the educational activities of the students to be halted or disturbed due to what he termed baseless accusations. Imanuddin vehemently denied all accusations leveled against him. He revealed that his side is preparing a formal complaint to report a former student, Yusron, to the police for allegedly defaming his name. According to Imanuddin, Yusron unilaterally distributed a draft text accusing him of sexual assault without first seeking clarification directly from him. Furthermore, Imanuddin indicated that he would also take legal action against BBC Indonesia. He claims the reporting by the media outlet was one-sided, did not provide adequate space for him to offer a balanced clarification, and caused material and immaterial damages to him and his family. He added that the news has also affected the psychological well-being of himself and his extended family. Source: Detik