Former teacher Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known to students as Bechi, was sentenced to seven years in 2022 after being convicted of sexually assaulting a female pupil at his father’s prominent Islamic boarding school in East Java. The case came to international notice when a BBC undercover operation discovered that Bechi had been secretly released on parole in August 2025, serving less than half his sentence without the victim’s knowledge.
The revelation sparked public outrage across Indonesia. Victims, many of whom were minors at the time of abuse, cried with relief upon learning that Bechi was returned to prison. One former student, who was held captive for more than four years, said she had been forced to withdraw a police complaint after intimidation by private security guards linked to Bechi.
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections initially claimed the early release complied with sentencing regulations. However, a comprehensive review commissioned after the BBC report uncovered administrative errors and procedural irregularities. Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto announced that officials responsible for approving Bechi’s parole would face sanctions, emphasizing a commitment to prevent such mistakes in the future.
Bechi’s background adds complexity to the case. He is the son of Muhammad Mukhtar Mu’thi, founder of the Shiddiqiyyah Islamic boarding school, and its arrest in 2022 followed a 15‑hour police siege at the school amid protests by supporters. Although prosecutors sought a longer sentence after multiple rape accusations, Bechi was only found guilty of a single assault charge.
In parliament, lawmakers called for urgent reforms in how sexual abuse cases are investigated in religious and educational institutions. Lawyer Joko Jumadi, who represents several victims, warned that influential religious figures often deter thorough investigations, citing frequent threats against advocates for justice.
The BBC’s investigation has highlighted systemic gaps in Indonesia’s oversight of privileged teachers. It also underscored the vital role of investigative journalism in safeguarding victims’ rights and maintaining public trust in legal institutions.
