A former teacher in Indonesia, Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, has been returned to prison after a BBC investigation uncovered his secret early release. Bechi was serving a seven-year sentence for sexually assaulting a student at his father's Islamic boarding school. The BBC's findings led to a government review, the revocation of his parole, and calls for sanctions against those responsible for the error.
The case highlights significant failures in Indonesia's justice system regarding the handling of sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving influential figures. The investigation and subsequent actions underscore the importance of victim notification and accountability within the correctional system, potentially impacting public trust in religious and educational institutions.
A former teacher in Indonesia, Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, has been returned to prison following a BBC investigation that revealed his secret early release. Bechi was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2022 for sexually assaulting a female student at his father's prominent Islamic boarding school in East Java.
The BBC Eye investigation found that Bechi had been secretly released on parole in August 2025, having served less than half of his sentence. Crucially, the victim he was convicted of assaulting had not been informed of his release, despite her legal right to be notified.
Upon learning of his return to prison, the former student expressed relief and a desire for justice. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections had initially stated Bechi's release was due to sentence reductions, but the BBC's findings triggered a public outcry and a government review. This review uncovered "errors" that led to the revocation of Bechi's parole.
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto assured that those responsible for approving Bechi's parole would face sanctions, emphasizing a commitment to preventing future irregularities. Ira Puspitasari, one of several former students who accused Bechi of abuse and testified against him, called the decision a vindication and expressed amazement at the government's attention to the case. She recounted her own experience of being held captive, raped, and tortured by Bechi for over four years, and the intimidation she faced after reporting the abuse.
Bechi is the son of influential Islamic cleric Muhammad Mukhtar Mu'thi, founder of the Shiddiqiyyah Islamic boarding school. His arrest in 2022 involved a 15-hour police siege at the school, as supporters attempted to prevent his apprehension. Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence, but Bechi was convicted of the lesser charge of sexual assault rather than rape.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.