The Release of Hasto and Tom Lembong: A High Price for Political Stability

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The granting of amnesty to the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Hasto Kristiyanto, and the abolition for former Minister of Trade, Tom Lembong, is considered a means to achieve reconciliation among elites. However, the President's prerogative right used to free defendants in corruption cases in the name of political stability could set a negative precedent that triggers public disappointment and undermines the spirit of anti-corruption efforts.

Amnesty for the Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto and abolition for former Minister of Trade Tom Lembong was granted by President Prabowo Subianto after receiving approval from the House of Representatives (DPR), Thursday (31/7/2025) evening.

Previously, 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 a 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.

On Friday (1/8/2025), the legal representatives of both defendants in separate corruption cases, who have yet to receive a final legal ruling, prepared to release Hasto and Tom from the detention center where they are being held. However, their release is still pending the presidential decision regarding the amnesty and abolition that has not yet been issued.

Researchers from the Political Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Wasisto Raharjo Jati stated that granting amnesty to Hasto and abolition for Tom could establish a balance in political communication among elites, particularly between President Prabowo Subianto, PDI-P, and the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. This release is expected to enhance the potential of PDI-P to join the government.

Previously, the political party led by the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, was the only parliamentary party outside the government.

Since the 2024 Presidential Election took place, the relationship between PDI-P and Jokowi has become strained due to Jokowi's political support for Prabowo. In fact, Jokowi, who was elected in the 2014 and 2019 Presidential Elections, was supported by PDI-P. Meanwhile, Prabowo has repeatedly stated that his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election cannot be separated from Jokowi's role, even though he has also been friends with Megawati Soekarnoputri for a long time.

Long-term reconciliation can only occur if there is independent, impartial, and fair law enforcement, allowing all parties to accept the outcomes with an open heart.

Although it can create a balance in political communication, Wasisto stated that the granting of amnesty and abolition could set a bad precedent for President Prabowo. Ideally, amnesty and abolition should be granted with humanitarian considerations, not based on relations among political elites. Moreover, the presidential prerogative is given to free defendants in corruption cases.

"This has the potential to reduce the spirit of anti-corruption enforcement by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and other law enforcement agencies in the future, often resulting in public disappointment," said Wasisto when contacted on Friday.

He added that the national reconciliation promoted by the government as the goal of granting amnesty and abolition cannot simply be realized, especially in the long term. This is because political elites have their own egos driven by short- and medium-term political interests. With such motivations, reconciliation can indeed be achieved anytime and anywhere, but only temporarily.

"Long-term reconciliation can only occur if there is independent, impartial, and fair law enforcement, so that all parties can accept it with an open heart," said Wasisto.

In a similar vein, the Head of the Political and Social Change Department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Arya Fernandes, observed that President Prabowo, in the first and second years of his 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, rather than 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.

This effort, Arya continued, will strengthen the relationship between Prabowo and Megawati. Moreover, although 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 striving to find a formula that can embrace both figures as he needs the support of both.

The Deputy Minister of State Secretary, who also serves as the Presidential Spokesperson, Juri Ardiantoro, stated that the granting of amnesty to Hasto and abolition for Tom 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 has pardoned more than 1,000 convicts, including Tom and Hasto, as both meet the criteria for receiving forgiveness in the form of abolition and amnesty.

Nevertheless, the Jury did not explain why the President adopted different policies for the two convicted individuals in the corruption case. He only emphasized that this step was taken to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. This is because unity and integrity are fundamental assets for advancing the country.

"Therefore, any policy, including political policies, for the sake of unity and integrity, the President will take such steps. For instance, the granting of abolition, amnesty, or other policies that can be interpreted and can serve as factors to strengthen and unite all elements of the nation will be carried out by the President," said Juri at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Friday (1/8/2025).