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yesterday

Indonesia Greenlights First Wave of Clemency Releases Ahead of Independence Day

Lawmakers approved pardons for 1,116 inmates including political rivals and activists with releases set for next week under criteria that favor elderly, seriously ill and non-violent offenders.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto waves to journalists at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto speaks to members of the media after his arrival at the Halim Perdanakusuma military airbase, following a trade deal with the United States after negotiations, which resulted in a reduction of proposed U.S. tariff rates on the country's exports to 19% from 32%, in Jakarta, Indonesia July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/File Photo
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Overview

  • Parliament on July 31 endorsed President Prabowo Subianto’s first-stage clemency plan, granting amnesty or abolition to 1,116 convicts.
  • Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas and House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad detailed eligibility criteria prioritizing the elderly, mentally or critically ill, and those jailed for blasphemy or insulting the president.
  • High-profile beneficiaries include Hasto Kristiyanto and Thomas Trikasih Lembong alongside six Papuan independence activists convicted of treason.
  • Releases are due to begin next week, reflecting Indonesia’s customary Independence Day pardons and aiming to relieve chronic prison overcrowding.
  • Officials say further waves of pardons will follow as part of Prabowo’s broader ambition to extend clemency to up to 44,000 inmates and foster national unity.