Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has requested approval from the House of Representatives to grant presidential pardons to former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, both of whom were recently convicted on corruption charges.

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed on Thursday that the request had been received a day earlier and was immediately discussed by legislative leaders and senior government officials.

“We have consulted with Justice Minister Supratman Andi Agtas and State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi regarding the president’s letters,” Dasco said.

According to Dasco, the president submitted two separate letters: one specifically for Thomas Lembong, and another listing 1,116 convicts, including Hasto, for whom pardons are being sought.

Justice Minister Supratman said the pardons were issued based on “thorough consideration,” with the primary motivation being the preservation of national unity. He added that both Lembong and Hasto had made “positive contributions” to the country.

“They have made achievements and served the Republic,” Supratman said, without providing further details. “The pardons are rooted in national interest and the goal of safeguarding Indonesia’s unity.”

Hasto was 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. Both Hasto and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which prosecuted the case, have filed appeals.

Asked about the presidential pardon, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto said, “The president has that authority under the 1945 Constitution.”

Thomas Lembong, who served as trade minister from 2015 to 2016, was sentenced last month to 4.5 years in prison in a corruption case related to fraudulent sugar imports, as prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Add as a preferred source on Google +