Revealed: Leader of Central Lombok Islamic Boarding School Convicted of Raping Student in Secluded Room
Muhammad Taufik Firdaus (MTF) is now in custody following allegations of rape against female students at an Islamic boarding school (Ponpes) in East Praya District, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The pesantren leader allegedly raped the students in a secluded room within the pesantren compound.
“The alleged sexual violence occurred in a khalwat room at the Islamic boarding school,” stated Kombes Muhammad Kholid, Head of Public Relations at the NTB Regional Police, on Tuesday (3 March 2026).
Kholid stated that there are two female student victims of the alleged rape. Taufik is accused of raping the two students between early May 2025 and mid-August 2025.
“The alleged acts were committed repeatedly up to four times against one victim, with another victim experiencing similar incidents,” he added.
Taufik allegedly exploited his position and authority as pesantren leader in committing these acts. According to Kholid, Taufik’s modus operandi for the alleged sexual crimes included manipulation and exploitation of the victims’ vulnerability.
“This caused the victims to be drawn into committing acts in violation of the law,” Kholid stated.
Police have secured numerous pieces of evidence related to the alleged rape of the students, including pesantren administrative documents, victim clothing, condom wrappers, and room keys.
“There are also other items related to the alleged criminal acts,” Kholid said.
Taufik is now charged under Article 473 paragraph (1) of Law Number 12 of 2023 concerning the Revised Criminal Code or Article 6 letter C of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS). He faces a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and/or a maximum fine of 300 million rupiah.
Previously, the victim’s advocate, Joko Jumadi, revealed that Taufik allegedly committed rape using various methods, including purification claims about the victim’s womb and promises of spiritual knowledge.