Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known online as Bechi, was sentenced to seven years in 2022 after being convicted of sexually assaulting a female pupil at his father’s Islamic boarding school in East Java. He was jailed at the close of a 15‑hour police siege, after supporters had gathered to prevent his arrest.
A BBC Eye undercover investigation, released in early October, revealed that the teacher had been secretly released on parole in August 2025 – after serving less than half his custodial term – and that the victim had not been notified. When the BBC report was published, the victim, who chose to remain anonymous, cried with relief and appealed for justice in Indonesia’s legal system.
Following the investigation, a parliamentary hearing was convened and lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of the early‑release process. The review found administrative errors that led to the wrongful parole, and the government subsequently revoked the release, returning Bechi to jail. Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto vowed that those responsible would face sanctions and that no further irregularities would occur.
The case also highlighted the difficulties victims face in exposing abuse within influential religious institutions. Lawyer Joko Jumadi, who has represented many survivors, noted that authorities often hesitate to investigate claims against prominent figures, citing intimidation and threats as deterrents.
Bechi is the son of Muhammad Mukhtar Mu’thi, founder of the Shiddiqiyyah boarding school. Though prosecutors had sought a longer sentence after accusations of rape by several students, he was ultimately convicted only of a lesser sexual‑assault offence and acquitted of rape charges. The BBC received no response from Bechi, his mother, or the school when it requested comment on the investigation.
