Indonesian Teacher Sentenced to Jail After Secret Early Release Exposed

In August 2025 the former teacher Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani was illicitly released from prison on parole, a decision that went unnotified to the victim who had been at the center of his 2022 conviction for sexually assaulting a student at a prominent Islamic boarding school in East Java.

The BBC’s undercover investigation revealed the illicit parole and the gaps in the prison system that allowed a convicted abuser to walk free before completing more than half of his sentence. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, reacted with tearful relief at the news and urged that the law be applied consistently in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections had initially defended the early release as a lawful sentence reduction. However, sustained public pressure and parliamentary scrutiny forced a review that uncovered procedural errors. The review led to the revocation of the parole and the return of Bechi to prison.

Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto pledged sanctions against officials who approved the parole and vowed to tighten procedures to avert similar oversights. The case has amplified calls from lawmakers and victim advocacy groups for a system that prioritizes the safety of students in religious educational settings.

Victim testimonies, including that of former student Ira Puspitasari who endured repeated rape for over four years, have further highlighted the need for rigorous oversight. She praised the government's attention to her case, describing her experience as a vindication for victims of abuse.

The incident has put a spotlight on the potential abuse of influence by religious figures in Indonesia’s educational sector, and the broader implications for policy reform in safeguarding minors.