Singapore Airlines Passenger Sentenced for Indecent Exposure Mid Flight

A 23-year-old Indonesian man has been sentenced to three weeks in jail for sexually exposing himself to a flight attendant on a Singapore Airlines flight from China to Singapore. The incident, which occurred in January 2025, has raised questions about passenger behavior and the safety of cabin crew on international flights.

Incident on Board

On January 23, 2025, Brilliant Angjaya, a business class passenger, committed an act of indecent exposure aboard a Singapore Airlines flight en route to Singapore. According to court proceedings, Angjaya had consumed two glasses of champagne during the flight before going to sleep. Upon waking, he decided to record a video of himself exposing his genitals and capturing the reaction of an unsuspecting air stewardess.

At around 4:45 a.m., as the flight neared its destination, Angjaya returned to his seat, set his mobile phone to record, and exposed himself. When the flight attendant approached with an in-flight meal, she was visibly shocked by the sight and quickly turned away. She placed the meal on his foldable table and left the area, later noticing that his phone camera was pointed at her. Distressed, she reported the incident to her supervisor.

The supervisor confronted Angjaya, who initially denied recording the event. However, upon further insistence, he handed over his phone, which contained footage of the incident, including images of the victim. Police were alerted before the flight landed at 6:45 a.m., and Angjaya was arrested upon arrival in Singapore.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

On March 24, 2025, Angjaya pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exposure in a Singapore court. District Judge Paul Quan described his actions as “inexplicable” and “inexcusable,” emphasizing the heightened distress caused to the victim in the confined and personal setting of a business class cabin. “The defence has characterised the offence as a highly inappropriate prank. I hold a different view. It was perverse enough for (Angjaya) to even contemplate how someone might react to his indecent exposure” Judge Quan stated during sentencing.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Kai, pushed for a jail term of four to six weeks, citing aggravating factors such as Angjaya’s intoxication, the location of the offense on board an aircraft, and the targeting of a public transport worker. The prosecutor also noted Angjaya’s initial denial of recording the incident, suggesting a lack of immediate remorse. “Had he been truly remorseful, he would not have lied to the victim’s supervisor when asked if he was recording. He would have come clean from the onset” Ng argued.

Angjaya’s defense lawyer, Navin Thevar, presented mitigating factors, stating that his client was in a “troubled state” during the flight. Angjaya had been studying in China for five months and was leaving the country permanently, grappling with the uncertainty of when he might see his friends again. The lawyer explained that Angjaya drank champagne to help himself sleep, and after committing the act, he surrendered his phone and apologized to the cabin crew.

In court, an apology letter written by Angjaya to the victim was read aloud. In it, he acknowledged the stupidity of his actions and expressed regret for the distress caused. “What I did was very stupid. But I believe you deserve an explanation why I did what I did” he wrote, adding that his reasons did not justify his behavior. “You do not deserve the distress and complications I caused you… I hope it gives you at least some comfort knowing that I will face justice for my action” the letter continued.

While Judge Quan recognized Angjaya’s genuine remorse, he ultimately sentenced him to three weeks in jail. The court also granted Angjaya permission to call his father in Indonesia following the sentencing. A gag order remains in place to protect the identity of the victim, limiting the disclosure of further details about the flight or the flight attendant involved.

Broader Implications for Aviation Safety

This incident has sparked discussions about the safety and well-being of cabin crew members, who often face challenging situations in the confined environment of an aircraft. Flight attendants, particularly in premium cabins like business class, interact closely with passengers, making them vulnerable to inappropriate behavior. The case highlights the need for stricter protocols and training to handle such incidents, as well as potential penalties to deter passengers from engaging in harmful actions.

Singapore Airlines, known for its high standards of service, has not issued a public statement regarding this specific case, likely due to the ongoing legal sensitivities and the gag order. However, the airline has a history of cooperating with authorities in cases of passenger misconduct. The incident also underscores the importance of in-flight surveillance and the role of technology—such as mobile phone recordings—in providing evidence for prosecution, though in this instance, it was the perpetrator himself who recorded the act.

Public reaction on social media platforms has been one of outrage, with many users condemning Angjaya’s behavior and expressing sympathy for the affected flight attendant. The case serves as a reminder of the personal toll such incidents can take on individuals working in public-facing roles, particularly in high-pressure environments like international flights.

Passenger Behavior in the Spotlight

Angjaya’s case is not an isolated one. Over the past few years, reports of disruptive passenger behavior on flights have increased globally, ranging from verbal abuse to physical altercations and, in rare cases, acts of indecency. Factors such as alcohol consumption, stress, and mental health issues are often cited as contributing to such behavior, though they do not excuse the actions. In Angjaya’s defense, his lawyer pointed to emotional distress and intoxication as influencing factors, though the court found these insufficient to mitigate the severity of the offense.

In Singapore, a global hub for aviation, authorities take a strict stance on crimes committed on board aircraft, particularly those involving public transport workers. The legal system aims to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the country’s reputation for safety and order. Angjaya’s sentencing reflects this zero-tolerance approach, sending a clear message to passengers about the consequences of inappropriate conduct.

As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt in a post-pandemic world, ensuring the safety and dignity of cabin crew remains a priority. Cases like this one may prompt airlines and regulators to revisit policies on passenger conduct, alcohol service, and conflict resolution training for staff. For now, the incident aboard the Singapore Airlines flight serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those who keep the skies friendly—and the importance of accountability when that trust is broken.