Sat Aug 02 02:39:49 UTC 2025: ## Indonesia Releases Political Prisoners in Clemency Push

**Jakarta, Indonesia** – In a move aimed at fostering national unity, Indonesia has begun releasing thousands of prisoners, including prominent political figures jailed under the previous administration of Joko Widodo. The clemency initiative, spearheaded by newly elected President Prabowo Subianto, will see the release of approximately 44,000 inmates nationwide, with a focus on those imprisoned for political reasons.

The first wave of releases occurred on Friday, with 1,178 inmates walking free after President Subianto signed a Presidential Decree granting amnesties. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that the pardons prioritize political prisoners, individuals with mental or chronic illnesses, the elderly, juveniles, and those convicted of blasphemy or insulting the national leader.

Among those released were key rivals of former President Widodo, including Hasto Kristiyanto, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the country’s sole formal opposition party. Kristiyanto, sentenced last week to three and a half years for bribery, addressed a crowd upon his release, urging citizens to learn from the experience.

The parliament also approved the termination of criminal proceedings against former Trade Minister Tom Lembong, another former Widodo ally who broke with him to support political rival Anies Baswedan in the 2024 election. Lembong had been sentenced to over four years for allegedly abusing his authority in granting sugar import permits.

“Both [Kristiyanto and Lembong] have demonstrated service to the nation, and our priority now is to strengthen the unity of the nation,” explained Law Minister Agtas.

Six independence activists from the West Papua region, convicted of treason, were also among those released. Authorities plan to submit a second list of 1,668 inmates for parliamentary approval in the near future, furthering President Subianto’s ambitious clemency plan and his vision of a unified Indonesia.

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