Released from the KPK Detention Center, Hasto: Freedom, Satyam Eva Jayate!

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The defendant in the bribery case, Hasto Kristiyanto, was officially released from the Detention Center of the Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK, Jakarta, on Friday (1/8/2025) evening. This release occurred after the KPK received and processed a copy of the Presidential Decree regarding the amnesty granted by President Prabowo Subianto.

Based on observations at the location, Hasto stepped out of the gate of the KPK Red and White Building at 21:22 WIB. Wearing a red shirt emblazoned with "Soekarno Run" under a black suit, he immediately raised his right fist into the air while shouting "Merdeka, Satyam Eva Jayate," which was met with the cheers of "Merdeka!" from dozens of his supporters.

The phrase "satyam eva jayate" comes from an ancient Indian text. It means that only truth will triumph.

Before being released, several officials from the KPK and a team of doctors entered the detention center to carry out administrative processes and final health examinations.

In his first statement to the press, Hasto expressed his gratitude to God and thanked several parties, especially President Prabowo Subianto for the grant of amnesty and to the Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan, Megawati Soekarnoputri, for her support.

"To the honorable President Prabowo, regarding the decision to grant amnesty, it means that what we expressed in the plea, in the rebuttal about true justice, has been answered by him," said Hasto.

He stated that this amnesty is a result of the President's prerogative rights, which have received consideration from the DPR. Hasto also admitted to learning a great deal during his detention and decided to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Law at Universitas Terbuka.

To the honorable President Prabowo, regarding the decision to grant amnesty, it means that what we expressed in the plea, in the rebuttal about true justice, has been addressed by him.

"I entered with my head held high and will leave with my head held high as well, but it turns out I am bowing my head more because I have learned so much about life here," he said.

When asked about his plans after this, Hasto stated that he would return home first to meet with his family. "I will go home first. So tomorrow I will report to Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri," he said.

This release officially concludes the legal proceedings faced by Hasto, who was previously sentenced to 3.5 years in prison by the Corruption Court for his involvement in a bribery case related to the interim replacement of members of the DPR.

Following Hasto's release, the Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, provided an official statement. He confirmed that the presidential decree on amnesty was received at 7:00 PM WIB, delivered directly by the Director General of AHU of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

Asep emphasized that with the issuance of the Presidential Decree, all legal processes against Hasto Kristiyanto are immediately halted, including the appeal process that was previously prepared by the KPK. "Indeed, with this amnesty, the legal process against Mr. Hasto is immediately stopped," he asserted.

He also added that so far there are no plans to open a new investigation into Hasto in connection with other cases.

Nevertheless, Asep explained that this amnesty is specific and only applies to Hasto Kristiyanto. For other suspects in the same case, the KPK will conduct further evaluations.

"So far, the presidential decree on amnesty that we have received is for Mr. Hasto Kristiyanto. There is nothing for the others. As for the others, we will conduct an evaluation later," Asep explained.

He added that the main priority of the KPK tonight is to implement the Presidential Decree regarding Hasto's human rights to freedom, and only then to further study the implications for the remaining cases.