Of the 1,178 people who received amnesty and abolition, two were defendants in corruption cases.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas stated that the Presidential Decree regarding the granting of amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto and abolition to Tom Lembong was issued on Friday (1/8/2025). The amnesty and abolition were granted to a total of 1,178 individuals, and it is confirmed that only two defendants in corruption cases received this policy.

The Gerindra Party politician emphasized that this policy is part of national reconciliation efforts ahead of Indonesia's 80th anniversary of independence.

"The President desires that all components of the nation can unite, especially in facing global challenges towards Indonesia Gold 2045. This is not about individuals, but about the integrity of the nation," said Supratman.

In the decision, amnesty was granted to a total of 1,178 individuals, including 6 individuals involved in unarmed treason cases in Papua, 78 individuals with mental health issues, 16 palliative care patients, 55 elderly individuals over 70 years old, 1 individual with intellectual disabilities, and 3 others related to violations of Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE Law).

The two names that have captured public attention the most are Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong, each linked to corruption cases and currently still undergoing legal processes. Hasto was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and fined Rp 250 million, with a subsidiary of 3 months in detention, for his involvement in the bribery case concerning the replacement of a member of the DPR for Harun Masiku. Meanwhile, Tom Lembong was 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.

According to Supratman, the granting of legal amnesty is a political reconciliation effort that is part of the President's vision to unify national political forces. He also invites the public to view this step as part of a long-term commitment towards a more inclusive and united Indonesia.

When asked about the granting of amnesty to Hasto, whose case has not yet obtained permanent legal force, Supratman emphasized that there is no legal provision requiring a permanent legal force for the granting of amnesty or abolition.

"That is purely the prerogative of the President as regulated in the 1945 Constitution and Law Number 11 of 1954 concerning Amnesty and Abolition. Therefore, the President's assessment in granting clemency does not depend on the status of finality."

He also explained the difference between the two forms of state pardon. Amnesty generally halts criminal proceedings, while abolition results in the cessation of prosecution in specific cases.

In response to concerns from various parties that this step could set a bad precedent for the eradication of corruption, Supratman emphasized that the President remains committed to law enforcement.

"The President will not be intimidated in the face of corruption. This is not a form of compromise, but rather part of a larger strategy for national reconciliation. The eradication of corruption remains a priority," he emphasized.

He emphasized that the amnesty only applies to names explicitly mentioned in the Presidential Decree. Thus, other suspects in the same case do not automatically receive forgiveness.

The President will not be intimidated in the face of corruption. This is not a form of compromise, but rather part of a larger strategy for national reconciliation. The eradication of corruption remains a priority.

As the Presidential Decree on Amnesty and Abolition takes effect on August 1, legally, Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong could be released that very night. However, its implementation is entrusted to the relevant law enforcement agencies, namely the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Attorney General's Office.

"The presidential decree is already in effect. Technical implementation is of course in the hands of each implementing agency," said Supratman.

The granting of abolition for Tom Lembong and amnesty for Hasto Kristiyanto by President Prabowo Subianto has been criticized by several legal experts. The release of both individuals is considered a misguided remedy in addressing the issue of legal politicization. Furthermore, it could send a negative signal for the anti-corruption agenda.

"I don't deny that there is political motive in the Tom Lembong and Hasto Kristiyanto cases. In Tom Lembong's case, the element of guilt was not met, and there was no mens rea (malicious intent). In Hasto's case, the motive was political, even though there is a legal case, so civil society has been demanding that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) thoroughly investigate those involved since 2020," said Zaenur Rohman, a researcher at the Center for Anti-Corruption Studies (Pukat) at Gadjah Mada University, when contacted on Friday (August 1, 2025).

Nevertheless, if the goal is to resolve the politicization of law, what should be done is to correct the law enforcement, for instance, by evaluating the performance of law enforcement officials, such as the police and the prosecutor's office.

Specifically for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), corrections can be made by restoring its independence through the revision of Law Number 19 of 2019 concerning the KPK. The enactment of this law, which among other things makes the KPK part of the executive branch, according to Zaenur, has made the KPK susceptible to intervention by those in power.