Introduction

A BBC Eye investigation has uncovered that an Indonesian teacher convicted of sexually abusing a student was secretly released from prison well before his sentence ended, reigniting anger among survivors and reform advocates.

What Happened

Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, was arrested in 2022 after a dramatic siege at his father's Islamic boarding school in East Java, where nearly 1,000 riot police were deployed to secure his capture. He had been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a student, though prosecutors had originally sought a 16-year term for rape. The school's operating licence was briefly revoked, but President Joko Widodo intervened to keep it open, arguing the case involved an individual rather than the institution. Undercover BBC footage now shows Bechi attending prayer events and greeting supporters months after his official release in August 2025, which the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections attributed to sentence remissions without specifying the reasons.

Why This Matters

The revelation arrives as the National Commission on Violence against Women warns of an emergency regarding sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools across Indonesia, citing the outsized influence of religious leaders as a barrier to oversight and justice. Several alleged victims reported being threatened, intimidated, and physically restrained, with some claiming they were told they were chosen for abuse. The case also exposes how family connections and political ties including visits by former and current presidential candidates to the school have shielded alleged perpetrators from full accountability.

Key Takeaways

  • Bechi was released in August 2025 after serving less than half of his seven-year sentence, reportedly due to remissions the ministry declined to elaborate on.
  • Only one of several alleged victims pursued a legal case, which resulted in a conviction for sexual assault, not rape.
  • Undercover BBC footage shows the teacher smiling and interacting with supporters, contradicting the reality faced by those who testified against him.
  • Victims were not formally notified of his early release, despite legal requirements and ongoing witness protection concerns.
  • The scandal reflects a wider pattern of abuse and inadequate protection mechanisms in Indonesia's Islamic boarding school system.

Conclusion

The early release of a convicted abuser has reopened wounds for survivors and intensified calls for systemic reform in Indonesia's religious education sector. Without stronger oversight, transparent parole processes, and genuine protection for victims, experts warn that such cases may represent only the tip of the iceberg. Accountability and structural change remain urgently needed.