Indonesian teacher returned to prison after parole release exposed
A former teacher convicted of sexually assaulting a student was secretly released on parole in Indonesia, but a BBC investigation exposed the irregular decision and triggered his return to prison. Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, was sentenced to seven years in 2022 after conviction for attacking a female student at an Islamic boarding school where he worked. The case matters because it has exposed serious flaws in how Indonesian authorities handle sexual abuse cases, particularly within religious and educational institutions where victims face additional barriers to justice and reporting.
Bechi was released on parole in August 2025 after serving less than half of his seven-year sentence. The victim was not informed of his release despite having the legal right to be told, though a government review later found 'errors' in his parole approval. Multiple victims have testified, with one describing over four years of rape, torture and captivity from the age of 15, including being held captive by the school's private security guards. Following the BBC investigation, a parliamentary hearing began into how institutions handle sexual abuse cases, with the government promising reforms and sanctions against those who approved the irregular parole.
- Teacher secretly freed on parole after serving less than half his sentence.
- BBC investigation exposed the release, brought him back to prison, sparked reforms.
- Multiple victims describe years of abuse and systemic failures in institutional protection.
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Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, a teacher known as Bechi, was convicted in 2022 of sexually assaulting a student at an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia. He received a seven-year prison sentence but was released on parole in August 2025 after serving less than half his term. His release was not publicised and the victim was not informed, despite having a legal right to be told.
The case has revealed significant flaws in how Indonesian authorities handle sexual abuse cases, especially in religious and educational institutions where victims face barriers to reporting. Multiple people have alleged they were abused by Bechi over extended periods, with one reporting years of abuse from the age of fifteen. His early and irregular release, combined with authorities' failure to notify victims, has raised broader concerns about accountability and victim protection in the system.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Teacher who sexually abused pupil back in Indonesia jail after BBC investigation”.