Indonesia is preparing to release the first batch of convicts under President Prabowo Subianto’s expansive clemency initiative. Following approval from parliament, 1,116 inmates are scheduled to be freed starting next week.
This group includes political figures opposed to former President Joko Widodo and several Papuan independence activists jailed during his administration.
Authorities announced in Jakarta that the clemency plan is meant to address severe overcrowding in the nation’s prisons.
The scheme could eventually benefit up to 44,000 inmates, though presidential amnesty powers in Indonesia require parliamentary approval and have rarely been used before.
Priority for release is given to inmates with mental health conditions, the elderly, those who are critically ill, and individuals convicted of offences such as blasphemy or insulting the president.
Among notable individuals granted clemency are Hasto Kristiyanto, the secretary general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), and Tom Lembong, a former trade minister. Both were originally aligned with Widodo but later opposed his leadership.
Kristiyanto had been sentenced to 3.5 years for bribery related to a legislative seat scheme, while Lembong received a 4.5-year sentence tied to sugar import permit misconduct.
Parliament approved ending criminal proceedings against Lembong, effectively clearing him of the charges.
Also included among the releasees are six Papuan activists convicted of treason. Authorities stated these individuals are seen as proponents of an unarmed movement.
Later on, a second group of 1,668 prisoners will be proposed for release. Officials say this is part of ongoing efforts to reduce inmate numbers and ease pressure on the prison system.
Tags: clemency plan, prison overcrowding, political pardons, Papuan activists, Prabowo Subianto, Indonesian politics, convict release, criminal justice reform, amnesty program, overcrowded prisons