5 Statements from TGH Muhammad Imanuddin Sumar Following Allegations of Abusing Students in Central Lombok

LOMBOK TENGAH, KOMPAS.com – The leader of the Abul Barokat Wannafahat Islamic Boarding School, located in Bunkate Village, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Tuan Guru Haji (TGH) Muhammad Imanuddin Sumar, has firmly denied allegations of sexual abuse against several of his students.

Imanuddin made this statement during a press conference held in Mataram on Wednesday (9/23/2026). This step was taken to provide a right of reply and clarify media reports, as well as to uphold the principles of balanced information and news accuracy.

At the event, eight points were presented, with five key points clarifying his perspective and outlining the legal steps he intends to pursue.

Here are five important points from TGH Muhammad Imanuddin Sumar’s statement regarding the alleged sexual abuse case involving his name:

1. Denies All Allegations of Student Abuse

TGH Muhammad Imanuddin Sumar firmly stated that the accusations of misconduct or abuse directed at him are completely untrue.

"I state unequivocally and clarify that all allegations made against me as reported are false and unfounded," Imanuddin said in Mataram on Wednesday (9/23/2026).

He emphasized that the information circulating publicly lacks a strong foundation.

2. Clarification Regarding Audio Recording, Calls It a Tabayyun Effort

Responding to an audio recording of himself that has widely circulated and been perceived by the public as an admission, Imanuddin denied this interpretation. He asserted that the recorded conversation was not a confession of wrongdoing or guilt.

"The purpose of the conversation in that recording was an effort of tabayyun (direct clarification) with Yusron (a former student) and the female students allegedly involved," he explained.

According to him, this persuasive approach was taken to dispel rumors spread through a draft text containing one-sided claims from the alleged victims.

This step was deemed necessary to prevent the issue from spiraling and evolving into a damaging public opinion that could disrupt the mission of the Abul Barokat Wannafahat Ponpes.

3. Resigns from Ponpes Leadership for the Sake of Students

FITRI RACHMAWATI Abul Barokat Wannafahat, Bunkate Village, Central Lombok, Tuesday (9/22/2026), after some student guardians withdrew their children following allegations of sexual abuse against the ponpes leader.

He expressed that he would not accept the disruption of educational activities at the ponpes due to a personal case tied to his name. He underscored that this issue is a personal matter and unrelated to the institution.

Imanuddin has made a written statement and signed an official record handing over the management of Abul Barokat Wannafahat to Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Zainul Majdi, leader of Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI).

His legal counsel, Yudha Aditya Maatfa, confirmed this handover.

"We feel sorry for the students and the psychological state of their guardians who, upon hearing these viral reports, have come to pick up their children. TGH wants to focus fully on facing the legal process," Yudha said.

Yudha added that the handover is still a formal request, and TGH Imanuddin is awaiting TGB Zainul Majdi’s response on the procedure, whether it will be addressed in the NWDI extended family forum or through other means.

4. Ready to Undergo Police Investigation at Central Lombok Police

Demonstrating cooperation with the ongoing legal proceedings, Imanuddin expressed his readiness to respond to the police summons.

He is scheduled for questioning at the Central Lombok Police Headquarters (Polres Lombok Tengah) on Thursday (9/24/2026), accompanied by his wife. This step is intended for the sexual abuse case to be examined thoroughly according to legal facts.

5. Plans to Take Legal Action in Return

In addition to consenting to investigation, Imanuddin plans to pursue legal action in response to the sexual violence allegations against him. He believes that the coverage and accusations have crossed limits and caused significant harm.

"I am taking this step because the reporting has been one-sided, unbalanced, and has inflicted substantial material and immaterial damage on me personally," Imanuddin emphasized.

Part of this article was originally published on Kompas.com under the title TGH Imanuddin Sumar, Leader of Central Lombok Ponpes, Denies Abusing His Students