High-profile Indonesian teacher freed early after sexual assault conviction

An Indonesian teacher convicted of sexually assaulting a student at an Islamic boarding school has been released from prison early, BBC investigation found; the release was recorded on undercover footage and has prompted concerns from victims and rights bodies.

The teacher, identified as Moch Subchi Azal Tsani (known as Bechi), was arrested in 2022 at his father’s Islamic boarding school in East Java after a 15-hour standoff involving nearly 1,000 police officers and supporters attempting to block the arrest. He was sentenced later that year to seven years in prison for sexual assault; prosecutors had sought a maximum 16-year term for rape but the court acquitted him of rape while convicting him on the lesser charge.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections told the BBC that Bechi was released in August 2025 due to sentence remissions “granted to him in accordance with applicable regulations,” and said it could not provide a reason for the reduction. Under the original sentence, Bechi would have been eligible for parole around March 2027 and due for release in 2029.

BBC undercover reporters filmed Bechi at public religious events this year, appearing masked and seated beside his father at a school prayer gathering and later greeting attendees at an Eid prayer at the family compound. The BBC sought comment from Bechi, his mother and the Shiddiqiyyah school but received no response.

Of several female students who alleged abuse by Bechi, only one pursued the legal case that led to his conviction; her identity remains protected. Other former students, including witnesses who testified at trial, say they learned of his release only after seeing the BBC footage. The Ministry stated victims need not be informed because Bechi remains on parole, while the witness protection agency said victims should have been notified.

One witness, identified in reports as Ira Puspitasari, waived anonymity to describe alleged prolonged abuse beginning when she was 15, saying she was raped, beaten, held captive and later expelled from the school. She says she reported the abuse to police but was intimidated into withdrawing her report and shared an audio clip of Bechi’s mother urging her to say “nothing had happened.” Another former student, Ayu Masuroh, who investigated allegations and collected testimonies from at least 10 students, says she fears for her safety because of threats from Bechi’s supporters.

Nun Sayuti, a former school lawyer who later supported the students, testified at trial and said he recorded Bechi boasting of power over others; in that recording Bechi reportedly said, “In my position, I can have my way with anyone I want.” Nun described the early release as a violation of victims’ rights. The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) warned of widespread sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools and said religious leaders’ power can shield institutions from oversight and deter reporting.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The BBC investigation documents that Bechi, son of an influential religious leader who runs the Shiddiqiyyah complex in East Java, was convicted in 2022 and released in August 2025 under sentence remissions; undercover footage shows him attending events after release; several former students and witnesses say they were not informed and that some allegations beyond the conviction were raised during the closed trial.

The case involved a high-profile arrest with substantial public resistance, a seven-year sentence for sexual assault, official confirmation of early release by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, witness protection and victims reporting they were not notified, and statements from Komnas Perempuan and former insiders describing broader allegations and institutional influence.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Bechi, son of a prominent religious leader at Shiddiqiyyah boarding school in East Java, was convicted of sexual assault in 2022 and sentenced to seven years.
• Indonesia’s corrections ministry confirmed Bechi was released in August 2025 due to sentence remissions; ministry did not give reasons.
• BBC undercover footage captured Bechi attending public religious events after his release; victims and witnesses reported not being informed of the release.