Tom Lembong's Release Awaits Presidential Decree, Supporters Wait at Cipinang Detention Center

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – After being granted amnesty by President Prabowo Subianto, Tom Lembong's release is now awaiting the Presidential Decree document. Tom Lembong's legal counsel has heard that the document will soon be issued by the President, and it is hoped that by this afternoon, Tom will be able to be released from the Cipinang Detention Center where he is being held.

Ahead of Tom Lembong's release, former Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan, Tom's wife, Franciska Wihardja, and Tom's legal counsel were seen visiting the Cipinang Detention Center. Anies arrived first at around 09:34 WIB. Shortly thereafter, Tom's wife followed. In front of the entrance to the Cipinang Detention Center, dozens of supporters of Tom Lembong also gathered, awaiting Tom's release from prison.

It is known that Tom Lembong has been sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison in a sugar import case during his tenure as Minister of Trade from 2015 to 2016, by the panel of judges of the Jakarta Corruption Court on July 18.

However, on Thursday (31/7/2025) evening, the Deputy Chairman of the DPR from the Gerindra Party faction, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the DPR has approved President Prabowo's request to grant abolition for Tom Lembong, amnesty for the Secretary General of PDI-P Hasto Kristiyanto, and 1,115 other convicts. The granting of amnesty is said to be for the sake of reconciliation.

Tom Lembong's legal counsel, Ari Yusuf Amir, stated that they have discussed with Tom, and the former Minister of Trade has accepted the amnesty from President Prabowo. Currently, they are still awaiting the administrative process, including the Presidential Decree regarding the granting of amnesty for Tom, to secure his release.

"Today we heard that the Presidential Decree will be issued today. Hopefully, this administrative process can proceed more quickly, as we hope that this afternoon Mr. Tom can be released from here," said Ari after meeting Tom Lembong at the Class I Cipinang Detention Center, East Jakarta.

"Therefore, we request support from all interested parties in this matter to expedite this process. Because remember, not even one day in detention, not even one second in detention will anyone be happy," Ari continued.

Anies stated that his reason for visiting Tom was to deliver good news regarding the abolition from the President. He also wanted to hear Tom's opinion regarding the abolition he received.

"Certainly, this (abolition) is good news for Mr. Tom Lembong and his family, and we will await the process to be completed thoroughly. So, I will meet with Mr. Tom Lembong first," said Anies to reporters before entering the Class I Cipinang Detention Center.

Anies urged the public to wait for the completion of this abolition process. Further explanations will be provided by Tom Lembong's legal advisory team. "I will meet with Mr. Tom first, and then it will be conveyed," said the presidential candidate supported by Tom Lembong during the 2024 Presidential Election.

Regarding the amnesty for Tom Lembong, Ari Yusuf Amir stated in a written statement that amnesty is a constitutional prerogative of the President as stipulated in Article 14 paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution. Ari also mentioned that the status of Tom Lembong's case has not yet received a legally binding decision.

Therefore, the abolition of prosecution granted in the form of abolition also eliminates all charges brought by the prosecutor against Tom Lembong for alleged corruption.

"That after the abolition is granted, there is no longer any legal basis for criminal prosecution against Tom Lembong, therefore all ongoing criminal legal processes must be halted by law enforcement and the courts, including releasing Tom Lembong from detention," said Ari.

Through this abolition, the state acknowledged that the guilty party was not Tom Lembong, but rather the system that allowed the law to be carried out without justice.

Ari emphasized that this is not only about freeing someone from criminal charges but also about restoring the dignity that was forcibly and unjustly taken away. This decision simultaneously reaffirms that Tom Lembong is not a corrupt individual, as has been attempted to be portrayed by misleading narratives during the legal proceedings of this case.

"Tom Lembong does not need to admit anything and does not need to apologize to any party," he said.

According to Ari, Tom Lembong is a figure who has made significant contributions to the country, both in his capacity as a public official and as a visionary thinker and actor in economic policy.

"This abolition is evidence that the state still has the space to acknowledge its mistakes and restore the dignity of its citizens who have been treated unjustly," said Ari.