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10h ago

Prabowo Ratifies Clemencies for Rival Politicians in Mass Independence Day Amnesty

Parliament approved the abolition of Thomas Trikasih Lembong’s sentence alongside Hasto Kristiyanto’s amnesty in a traditional release of more than 1,100 inmates designed to foster unity in a move critics warn could undermine anti-corruption efforts.

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

  • On July 31, Indonesia’s parliament ratified President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency letters, abolishing former trade minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong’s conviction and granting amnesty to PDI-P leader Hasto Kristiyanto.
  • The pardons are part of the first phase of a mass release scheduled to free 1,116 prisoners next week under the August 17 clemency program.
  • Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas described the measures as a legal review and a unifying gesture that honors both men’s contributions to the republic.
  • The mass amnesty, a longstanding presidential prerogative for Independence Day, also covers Papuan activists and inmates convicted of blasphemy or insulting the state.
  • Rights groups including the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation warn that high-profile clemencies risk politicizing law enforcement and weakening graft prosecutions.