The Silence That Enshrines Abuse in Indonesia's Islamic Schools The case of Yusron Azzahidi and his friends is a stark reminder that, in some parts of the world, silence can be a currency that buys protection from predators rather than justice for their victims.
Allegations against Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, also known as "Abah," the head teacher at an Islamic boarding school on Lombok island in Indonesia, are not isolated incidents.
They represent a disturbing pattern of abuse and cover ups that have flourished under the guise of piety. Sexual abuse has long been a problem within Indonesia's vast network of Islamic schools, or pondok pesantren.