Bechi Granted Parole Despite Conviction for Molesting Student
The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Kemenimipas) has revealed that the convict in the sexual violence case against his student, Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, also known as Mas Bechi, has been released.
Kemenimipas stated that Mas Bechi was granted a Parole program on 20 August 2025. This release is based on the Decree of the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services Number PAS-1429.PK.05.03 of 2025, dated 15 August 2025.
“The individual received Parole on 20 August 2025,” said Budi, Head of the Public Communications Working Group of the Directorate General of Corrections, in a statement on Monday (21/9/2026).
Kemenimipas emphasised that Mas Bechi’s status is not an absolute release, but rather Parole. This program is part of the integration programme for inmates who have met the requirements in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
“His status is Parole, not absolute release,” B/udi stated.
Kemenimipas claimed that the granting of Parole to Mas Bechi was conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and the requirements that must be met by inmates. Kemenimipas also ensured that there was no special treatment in the provision of this integration programme.
“Imipas ensures there is no special treatment for the individual,” said Budi.
The Ministry reasoned that every inmate who meets the requirements for an integration programme will be processed according to the applicable provisions.
Previously, the Surabaya District Court judges sentenced the defendant in the molestation case at the Shiddiqiyyah Islamic Boarding School, Ploso, Jombang, Moch Subchi Azal Tsani (MSAT) or Mas Bechi, to 7 years in prison. Mas Bechi was found legally and convincingly guilty of violating Article 285 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 65 of the Criminal Code regarding rape and Law Number 8 of 1981.
The sentence was significantly lighter than the demand from the Public Prosecutor. Previously, prosecutors had demanded a 16-year sentence for Mas Bechi.
The judges explained several mitigating factors for the defendant, including the fact that the defendant is still young and has the opportunity to rectify his mistakes. Other mitigating factors included the defendant being the breadwinner for his family, having small children who still need affection, and having no prior criminal record.
Through this case, questions arise as to whether the law in Indonesia has become blunt in the face of the children of clerics (kyai), as if the law fails to side with victims who may suffer for a lifetime.