Fri Aug 01 08:03:14 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Indonesia to Release Thousands of Convicts Under President Subianto’s Clemency Plan**

**Jakarta, Indonesia – August 1, 2025** – In a move that has surprised many, Indonesia is set to release 1,116 convicts from its overcrowded prisons, marking the first phase of President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious clemency initiative. The announcement, made jointly by House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, follows parliamentary approval of the plan.

The released individuals include prominent political rivals of former President Joko Widodo, as well as Papuan independence activists. President Subianto’s plan to grant clemency to a total of 44,000 inmates was unveiled just two months after he assumed office in October, a significant departure from the cautious approach of previous leaders regarding amnesty powers.

Law Minister Agtas stated that priority is being given to prisoners with mental disorders, the elderly, the critically ill, and those convicted of blasphemy or insulting the country’s leader.

Among those being released are key opposition figures, including Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the country’s only formal opposition party. Kristiyanto, a former Widodo ally turned critic, was recently sentenced to 3.5 years for bribery.

Additionally, parliament has approved the termination of criminal proceedings against former Trade Minister Tom Lembong, another ex-Widodo ally who supported Anies Baswedan in the 2024 presidential election. Lembong was serving a 4.5-year sentence.

Agtas emphasized the government’s commitment to national unity, stating, “Both have demonstrated service to the nation, and our priority now is to strengthen the unity of the nation.”

The release also encompasses six Papuan independence activists imprisoned for treason. The government considers their movement to be unarmed.

Authorities are expected to submit a second list of 1,668 inmates for consideration by parliament shortly. The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing prison overcrowding and promoting national reconciliation.

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