Yusril Opens Option to Revoke Bechi's Parole: Remission Investigation to Start Soon

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that the government will not ignore the victims' rights in the sexual violence case involving Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, also known as Bechi. The statement came after the convict in the case of abuse against a female student in Jombang was granted parole on 20 August 2025, based on Decree of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections Number PAS-1429.PK.05.03 of 2025 dated 15 August 2025.

The decision triggered public reaction, especially from the victims and their families, who considered the release to disregard a sense of justice. In response, Yusril emphasized that the corrections system does not only concern the rights of inmates but must also take into account the interests of victims, victims' families, and the wider public. "We must give consideration not only to the perpetrator, but also to the victims, to the people who feel wronged by the crime that was committed," he said in a written statement, Thursday (24/9/2026).

The government, Yusril continued, will soon conduct an investigation into the process of granting remission and various other forms of leniency received by Bechi. The investigation will involve input from various parties, including the perpetrator, the victims, and the victims' families. "All of this input will be our shared concern. That is why an investigation will be carried out immediately into the process of granting remission and various kinds of leniency," he asserted.

Yusril also stressed that the rights of inmates who have met the requirements must still be respected, but their fulfillment must be carried out transparently and in accordance with procedure. He did not rule out the revocation of parole if irregularities inconsistent with laws and regulations are found in the process. "The granting of parole can be revoked if there are irregularities in its procedure," he said.

Previously, the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjen PAS) confirmed that Bechi had received parole. The head of the Public Communication Working Group of Ditjen PAS, Budi W, stated that the release was granted based on applicable provisions and that there was no special treatment. "Every inmate who meets the requirements of the integration program is processed based on applicable provisions," Budi said in a written statement, Monday (21/9/2026).

The case has drawn attention because it involves a religious figure with considerable influence in the pesantren community. The public is demanding accountability and transparency in the legal process, especially regarding the granting of remission and parole. A number of parties consider the case a test for the government in upholding justice without discrimination, while also ensuring that victims of sexual violence receive proper protection.

For readers in Indonesia, the development of this case reflects the importance of oversight of the corrections system. The public, especially victims and women's protection activists, will continue to monitor the investigation process. If irregularities are proven, the revocation of parole could set a precedent that the law cannot be intervened in by any interest. Conversely, if the procedure is deemed lawful, the government must still ensure that victims receive the assistance and justice they deserve.

"We must give consideration not only to the perpetrator, but also to the victims, to the people who feel wronged by the crime that was committed." — Yusril Ihza Mahendra

Going forward, the public will await the results of the investigation promised by the government. The question is whether this process will run transparently and accountably, or whether it will simply stop as discourse. What is clear is that the Bechi case has opened a broader discussion about how the state balances the rights of inmates with the rights of victims in Indonesia's criminal justice system.