An Indonesian teacher, Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, also known as Bechi, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a student at an Islamic boarding school, has been released early from prison, according to a BBC Eye investigation. Bechi, the son of an influential Islamic religious leader, was arrested in 2022 following a 15-hour siege involving nearly 1,000 riot police after supporters gathered to prevent his arrest. He was sentenced to seven years in prison later that year.
The Indonesian government withdrew the operating license of the school where Bechi taught, but then-President Joko Widodo intervened to keep the school open, stating that the case involved an individual rather than the institution. The investigation has revealed further allegations against Bechi and evidence suggesting attempts by the school and his family to suppress these claims.
The National Commission on Violence against Women has warned of an "emergency" of sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools, citing the influence of religious leaders as a barrier to oversight and reporting of abuse. Only one of several female students who alleged abuse against Bechi pursued legal action, leading to his conviction for sexual assault rather than rape, for which prosecutors sought a maximum sentence of 16 years.
Bechi was recorded at an event earlier this year by BBC reporters who were undercover. He was released in August 2025 after serving less than half of his sentence, with Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Corrections stating that his release was due to "sentence remissions granted to him in accordance with applicable regulations." The ministry did not provide details on why his sentence was reduced.
Ira Puspitasari, a former student who testified against Bechi, described her experience of abuse and intimidation following her allegations. She stated that she was held captive, raped, and beaten by Bechi for over four years. Despite reporting the abuse to the police, she was intimidated into withdrawing her report. She expressed her distress upon seeing Bechi's release, stating, "It's like nothing ever happened."
The BBC's undercover footage captured Bechi at a prayer event, where filming was prohibited, contrasting with previous years. The students who testified against Bechi were placed under witness protection and were supposed to be informed of his release, but they were not. The Ministry stated that victims need not be informed because Bechi remains on parole, a claim disputed by the witness protection agency.
Ayu Masuroh, another former student, reported feeling unsafe due to Bechi's release and mentioned collecting testimonies from other students alleging sexual assault by him. Nun Sayuti, a former lawyer for the school, expressed disappointment over Bechi's early release, viewing it as a violation of victims' rights.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the political influence of Bechi's family, with connections to notable public figures. Ira recounted the pressure she faced to withdraw her allegations, including threats from Bechi's supporters. She shared a recorded conversation with Bechi's mother, who urged her to retract her police report, framing the situation as a family matter.
Ira reflected on the trial process as painful and expressed regret over her retraction. She emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to the situation, stating, "It's very important the world knows. It's true. He is free. It's just a complete mockery of the law."