Why Did President Prabowo Grant Amnesty to Hasto and Abolition to Tom Lembong?

What were President Prabowo's considerations for releasing Hasto and Tom Lembong?

Following the consultation meeting between the DPR and the government on Thursday night (31/7/2025), the DPR announced its approval of President Prabowo Subianto's request to grant amnesty to the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto and abolition for former Minister of Trade Tom Lembong.

According to Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, the considerations regarding granting abolition and amnesty were in the interests of the nation and the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. He dismissed the granting of abolition and amnesty as President Prabowo's response to the public dynamics surrounding the two cases. The public debate concerned the oddity of Tom Lembong, who was deemed to have no malicious intent (mens rea), and Hasto, who was allegedly charged for political reasons.

"This is purely a legal consideration. This is for the interests of the nation and the state. It is about thinking of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Secondly, it is to weave a sense of brotherhood among all the children of the nation," said Supratman.

The granting of amnesty, Supratman continued, is also extended to convicts in cases of presidential defamation and unarmed treason. In addition, there are also cases related to politics, as well as prisoners who are elderly and those with mental health issues.

How does the release impact the anti-corruption agenda?

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 overtones in the Tom Lembong and Hasto Kristiyanto cases. In Tom Lembong's case, the element of guilt was not met, and there was no malice (mens rea). In Hasto's case, the motive was political, despite the legal case, which is why 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), this can be achieved by restoring its independence through the revision of Law Number 19 of 2019 concerning the KPK. The emergence of this law, which among other things makes the KPK part of the executive branch, has made it susceptible to intervention by those in power.

"Well, I see this as a misapplication of the law for political interests. If in the future this pattern is easily used to grant amnesty and abolition for the context of political power interests, the rule of law will be lost, replaced by the supremacy of politics," he emphasized.

What political benefits do President Prabowo and his government gain?

The Head of the Political and Social Change Department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Arya Fernandes, observes that President Prabowo in his first and second years of leadership has been striving to ensure political stability and avoid turmoil. To achieve this, he has taken steps to build long-term cooperation with all parties instead of fostering confrontation.

"The granting of abolition and amnesty, which is the prerogative right of the President, can be interpreted as an effort by the President to ensure stability," said Arya.

That effort, Arya stated, will strengthen the relationship between Prabowo and Megawati Soekarnoputri. Moreover, even though PDI-P is outside the government, both parties have shown a desire to collaborate. On the other hand, Prabowo's relationship with Jokowi will also be maintained, considering Jokowi's significant contribution to Prabowo's victory.

Arya stated that Prabowo is indeed in a dilemma amid the strained relationship between Megawati and Jokowi. Therefore, he is trying to find a formula that can embrace both figures as he needs the support of both.

Is it true that there was government legal intervention behind the release of Hasto and Tom Lembong?

The Palace has emphasized that the amnesty for the Secretary General of PDI-P Hasto Kristiyanto and the abolition for former Minister of Trade Tom Lembong are granted for the sake of national unity and integrity.

The move to release the two defendants in the corruption case is also claimed not to be a form of intervention, even though it is conducted in relation to a case whose process has not yet obtained legal force.

The Deputy Minister of State Secretary, who also serves as the Presidential Spokesperson, Juri Ardiantoro, stated that the granting of abolition for Tom Lembong and amnesty for Hasto Kristiyanto is an effort by President Prabowo Subianto to demonstrate that every citizen is entitled to equal treatment.

In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the President granted clemency to several defendants and convicts, including Tom and Hasto, as both met the criteria for receiving clemency in the form of abolition and amnesty.

Does Hasto's release change PDI-P's political position?

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is said to support the Prabowo Subianto administration despite being outside the cabinet. At the ongoing 6th PDI-P Congress, Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stated that the challenges ahead will be challenging, and therefore the party will support the government as a strategic partner (sparring partner) or counterbalance. Megawati will announce the PDI-P's official stance at the congress' closing on Saturday (August 2, 2025).

PDI-P politician, Said Abdullah, when met during the VI PDI-P Congress on Friday (1/8/2025), explained that Megawati, in her opening speech, addressed the challenges that Indonesia will face in the future, which are not easy.

"The road will certainly be steep, full of uncertainty. Therefore, we will support the government as a sparring partner or balancer, no opposition," Said said.

Nevertheless, the PDI-P has decided to remain outside the cabinet and is not preparing any names to enter the government. "Until now, the decision of the Chairwoman remains to be outside. No names have been proposed. The party's political stance will be communicated tomorrow; we will wait patiently," Said stated.

What did Tom Lembong say after being released from Cipinang Detention Center?

Tom Lembong stepped out of the Class I Cipinang Detention Center in East Jakarta on Friday (1/8/2025) at 22:02 WIB. Tom, who was wearing a dark blue polo shirt, was accompanied by his wife, Franciska Wihardja, as well as Tom's legal team and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

To the media crew, Tom also presented the Presidential Decree Number 18 of 2025 regarding the grant of amnesty to him. He also expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo for the provision of the amnesty.

Tom stated that the legal process he experienced did not follow an ideal legal procedure. During nine months in detention, he admitted to undergoing a challenging life. Throughout that time, he also claimed to have reflected on himself, including regarding the legal system that affected him.

"I return with an unbroken, unwavering spirit. I have great faith in this nation, in the Indonesian people; I have always referred to the Indonesian nation as the best in the world, and I love this republic," he said.

What was Hasto's statement after being released from the KPK detention center?

Based on Kompas's monitoring, Hasto stepped out of the gates of the KPK's Red and White Building on Friday (August 1, 2025) at 9:22 PM WIB. Wearing a red T-shirt with the words "Soekarno Run" and a black jacket, he immediately raised his right fist in the air while shouting "Freedom, Satyam Eva Jayate," which was answered by shouts of "Freedom!" from dozens of his supporters.

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

"To the honorable Mr. 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.