In brief
A former Indonesian teacher convicted of sexual assault was secretly released early, a fact uncovered by BBC undercover investigators. The victim learned of the release only after the teacher re‑entered prison, prompting a parliamentary hearing and a promise of sanctions against officials. The case highlights the gap between conviction and punishment in Indonesia’s justice system and the crucial role of media oversight.
Former Indonesian teacher who sexually abused a student has been returned to jail after BBC investigation exposed his secret early release.
Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, received a seven‑year prison term in 2022 after a conviction for sexual assault at the Shiddiqiyyah Islamic boarding school in East Java.
An undercover BBC investigation discovered that Bechi was secretly released on parole in August 2025, after serving fewer than half of his sentence, and the victim was never notified of his release.
When the victim learned he had returned to prison, she cried with relief, saying she hoped the law would be applied more justly in the future.
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto announced that officials responsible for approving the parole would face sanctions and that the government would prevent similar mistakes.
The revelation sparked a parliamentary hearing in which former students and legal experts argued that influential religious figures must be held accountable for abuse within educational institutions.
Ira Puspitasari, a former student who endured repeated abuse for more than four years, praised the investigation as a vindication and demanded that victims receive full protection.
