Pesantren Leader in Samarinda Allegedly Abuses Four Female Students Under Guise of 'Spiritual Marriage'

A case of sexual violence involving the leader of an Islamic boarding school (ponpes) has once again shaken East Kalimantan Province. This time, the alleged abuse occurred in Samarinda, with the perpetrator using a ‘spiritual marriage’ (nikah batin) as a modus operandi. To date, at least four female students have filed complaints with the East Kalimantan Rapid Response Team for the Protection of Women and Children (TRC PPA). This case adds to the long list of sexual violence in religious educational institutions in the region. Previously, a similar case occurred at a ponpes in Tenggarong Seberang, Kutai Kartanegara, involving 12 victims. According to Rina Zainun, Chair of TRC PPA Kaltim, the four victims have officially reported the alleged sexual violence to the Samarinda Police with assistance from her team. The reported individual is an ustaz who also serves as the head of the pesantren where the victims studied. Based on assessments and the victims’ accounts, the perpetrator used religious doctrine to deceive the students. The victims were convinced that sexual acts were permissible after undergoing a process called ‘spiritual marriage’. The process was described as very simple, involving only the mention of the victim’s name and a handshake. After this brief ritual, the victims were asked to comply with various sexual demands. Rina assessed this as a clear exploitation of the power dynamic between teacher and student. The team is still accepting complaints as there is a possibility the number of victims may increase. Following the police report, the victims have undergone intensive questioning and their statements have been recorded in the official investigation report, with a medical examination also conducted for legal evidence. Rina expressed hope that the suspect would be immediately apprehended and prosecuted, noting that the victims are currently suffering from severe trauma and require ongoing psychological support.