The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has approved the granting of amnesty for PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto and abolition for former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong (Tom Lembong). The decision was based on a proposal from President Prabowo Subianto via a Presidential Letter dated July 30, 2025, discussed during a consultation meeting between DPR and the government on July 31, 2025. The official announcement was made by DPR Vice Chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.
Background of the Decision
The granting of amnesty and abolition falls under the president’s prerogative rights as outlined in Article 14 of the 1945 Constitution and Emergency Law No. 11 of 1954. Amnesty erases all legal consequences of criminal acts for the recipient, while abolition halts the prosecution process. This decision was made considering the contributions of both figures to the nation and to maintain stability and national unity ahead of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration on August 17, 2025.
Amnesty for Hasto Kristiyanto
Hasto Kristiyanto was previously sentenced to 3.5 years in prison by the Corruption Court (Tipikor) for a bribery case related to the management of interim replacements (PAW) for DPR members during the 2019-2024 period, involving former KPU Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan. He was also fined Rp250 million with an additional six-month jail term if unpaid. Through Presidential Letter No. R42/Pres/07/2025, Hasto was included among 1,116 convicts granted amnesty.
Minister of Law and Human Rights Supratman Andi Agtas stated that the amnesty considered Hasto’s role in advancing democracy and his contributions to the nation. Hasto’s lawyer, Maqdir Ismail, described the decision as evidence that his client’s case was politically motivated, with the government deeming Hasto not guilty.
Abolition for Tom Lembong
Former Trade Minister Tom Lembong was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison on July 18, 2025, by the Corruption Court for a corruption case involving sugar imports between 2015-2016, causing state losses of approximately Rp578 billion. He was also fined Rp750 million with an additional six-month jail term if unpaid. Based on Presidential Letter No. R43/Pres/07/2025, the prosecution process against Lembong was halted through abolition.
The Attorney General’s Office stated it would further study the abolition mechanism, as it had not yet received official information regarding the decision as of July 31, 2025.
Reactions and Controversies
The decision has sparked varied responses. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced it would review the impact of the amnesty on Hasto, given that the appeal process for his sentence is still ongoing, with a deadline until August 1, 2025. KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto emphasized that amnesty is a presidential prerogative, but the commission would evaluate its legal implications.
Among the public, some view the cases of Hasto and Lembong as heavily politicized. Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD had previously highlighted principal weaknesses in similar cases, including that of Tom Lembong. The granting of amnesty and abolition is also seen as a government effort to foster national unity, given that Hasto (a supporter of Ganjar Pranowo) and Lembong (a supporter of Anies Baswedan) are figures from opposing political camps in the 2024 election.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The amnesty for Hasto eliminates all legal consequences, including his prison sentence and fine. Meanwhile, the abolition for Lembong halts the ongoing appeal process. The government will soon issue a Presidential Decree (Keppres) as a formal follow-up to this decision.
This ruling has drawn attention due to its reflection of Indonesia’s political and legal dynamics. The public is encouraged to monitor further developments through official DPR RI channels or trusted news sources.
