An Indonesian Islamic boarding school teacher convicted of sexually assaulting a student was released from prison early without public disclosure, according to a BBC Eye investigation.
Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, popularly known as Bechi, was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2022.
He was convicted of sexual assault after a trial that attracted widespread attention in Indonesia.
The BBC investigation found that Bechi was released in August 2025, less than halfway through his original sentence.
Bechi Released After Sentence Remissions
Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections told the BBC that Bechi was released following sentence reductions granted under applicable regulations.
The ministry did not provide details explaining why his sentence had been reduced.
Based on his original seven-year sentence, Bechi would otherwise have been eligible for parole around March 2027 or completed his sentence in 2029.
The BBC said undercover reporters later recorded him attending an event and interacting with supporters.
Arrest Followed Police Siege
Bechi was arrested in 2022 at the Islamic boarding school in East Java where he had taught.
His arrest followed a lengthy standoff involving hundreds of riot police.
Supporters of his family had reportedly gathered at the school in an attempt to prevent authorities from taking him into custody.
His father is an influential Islamic religious figure associated with the school.
Following the case, the Indonesian government withdrew the institution’s operating licence.
However, former President Joko Widodo intervened to allow the school to remain open, arguing that the criminal allegations concerned an individual rather than the institution as a whole.
Other Students Also Made Allegations
The BBC investigation also uncovered allegations from other female students who said they had been abused by Bechi.
Only one of the reported cases resulted in a criminal conviction.
Another former student, Ira Puspitasari, testified during the original trial but her allegations did not result in separate charges.
She has now chosen to speak publicly about her experience.
Concerns Over Abuse in Boarding Schools
Bechi’s release comes amid concerns about sexual violence in Indonesia’s Islamic boarding schools.
The National Commission on Violence Against Women has warned of what it describes as an emergency involving sexual violence in some boarding schools.
The commission has raised concerns about the influence of religious leaders and the difficulty students may face when attempting to report abuse.
The BBC investigation also examined allegations that Bechi’s family and the school attempted to suppress complaints against him.
Questions Over Early Release
The circumstances surrounding Bechi’s early release are likely to raise further questions about the administration of criminal sentences in Indonesia.
The corrections ministry said the sentence reductions were granted in accordance with existing regulations.
However, it did not explain the specific basis for the reduction.
The case has renewed attention on the protection of students in religious boarding schools and the systems available to investigate allegations of sexual abuse.
BBC
