BBC Investigates Secret Release of Indonesian Teacher Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Student

Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has confirmed that Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, also known as Bechi, was released from prison early in August 2025 due to "sentence remissions granted to him in accordance with applicable regulations".

Bechi, 46, is the son of influential Islamic religious leader Kiai Muchtar Mu'thi and was convicted of sexually assaulting a student at his father's school in East Java. His trial sent shockwaves through Indonesia, where millions of parents send their children to Islamic boarding schools.

Two ex-students who testified against Bechi have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse and rape. Ira Puspitasari, one of the students who pursued a legal case against Bechi, described being treated as his "slave" and held captive for over four years.

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I was treated as his slave, she said. I was held captive, raped, attacked. She also claimed that Bechi's supporters had threatened to kill her multiple times.

A BBC investigation has uncovered further allegations against Bechi and evidence suggesting that the school and his family attempted to suppress them. The National Commission on Violence against Women has warned of an "emergency" of sexual violence in Islamic boarding schools.

"It's like nothing ever happened." Ira said, referring to her experience with Bechi. "I can never forget what, he said. to me: 'Don't you realise you're just my slave?'".

Indonesia's president, Joko Widodo, has faced criticism over his administration's response to a recent health crisis at a local school. The head of state personally stepped in to ensure the facility remained operational. Emphasizing that the issue was centered on an individual rather than the institution itself.

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He hates me,Ayu Masuroh, another student who testified against Bechi.His supporters have threatened to kill me many times. I will never feel safe here.

The National Commission on Violence against Women has called for stronger oversight and penalties to prevent religious leaders from exercising unchecked power.

"Nothing happened, it's only family business," Bechi's mother, Nyai Shofwatul Ummah, told Ira Puspitasari in a recorded conversation.