Social Media’s Role in Exposing Sexual Violence in Indonesian Islamic Boarding School

Social media platforms provide a vital space for individuals to express their opinions and mobilise mass support in the pursuit of justice. This research explores how social media contributes to exposing sexual violence cases through viral messaging and connective action. Drawing on a sexual violence case involving a female Islamic student in Bandung, Indonesia, this study employs a qualitative case study approach, collecting data from digital observations on two social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and interviews with four informants. This study identifies six key findings. First, advocates and social media users play a vital role in exposing cases through connective action, enhancing victims’ advocacy and viral messaging. Second, social media posts and messages imbued with emotional appeals are more effective in constructing connective action and attracting public attention. Third, the exposure of the cases reveals political cynicism and distrust in religious authorities. Fourth, both the sexual offender and his wife perpetuate patriarchal power and sexual violence against women within the Islamic boarding school. Furthermore, the social media users’ digital activities are effective in raising public awareness of the case. Lastly, the digital activities demonstrate gender-specific responses and language. This study highlights the power of social media as an effective avenue to unravel sexual violence cases that have long been covered up by structural religious power and acts of silencing.