Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has granted amnesty and abolition to two prominent political figures previously aligned with rival presidential candidates, triggering debate over the intersection of law and politics.

Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto were released on Friday evening after the clemency measures were approved by the House of Representatives (DPR). The decision comes just weeks ahead of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17 and is widely viewed as a gesture of national reconciliation.

Hasto had been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for bribing a senior election official to secure a parliamentary seat for fellow PDI-P politician Harun Masiku. Lembong, a former trade minister from 2015 to 2016, was handed a 4.5-year sentence last month in connection with a corruption case involving fraudulent sugar imports.

Speaking after his release from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detention center in South Jakarta, Hasto expressed gratitude to Prabowo and his party leader, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

“We receive this decision with deep gratitude,” Hasto said. “First of all, I would like to thank Madam Megawati, who has provided unwavering support and guidance, including on anti-corruption values.”

Hasto is scheduled to meet Megawati in Bali on Saturday during the party’s national congress.

Tom Lembong, speaking from Cipinang prison in East Jakarta, thanked both the president and lawmakers, saying the abolition “not only grants my physical freedom but also restores my dignity as a citizen.” 

Legal scholars have offered mixed reactions. Trisno Raharjo, a law expert at Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, described the clemency as part of a broader political reconciliation. Both Hasto and Lembong had supported rival presidential contenders --Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan-- against Prabowo in the 2024 election.

“This appears to be a political trade-off,” said Trisno. “Legal matters are being exchanged for political stability, which could undermine anti-corruption efforts and public trust in the rule of law.”

In contrast, constitutional law expert Fahri Bachmid defended the decision, calling it a legitimate use of the president’s constitutional prerogatives. “This is part of Indonesia’s long constitutional tradition, from Sukarno to the current administration. It’s a legal and political tool to manage national conflicts,” Fahri said.

The State Palace, through Deputy Minister for State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro, denied claims of interference or political bargaining behind the clemency. “The president's decision aims to maintain unity,” Juri said. “Indonesians value harmony. When government policy fosters unity, the public will support it.”

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