Indonesia’s Prabowo Pardons Political Rivals, Releases 1,100 Inmates

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto granted clemency to two prominent political opponents recently sentenced to prison, aiming to ease political tensions and promote national unity ahead of Independence Day. Hasto Kristiyanto, secretary general of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), received amnesty that revoked his prison term for bribery, though his conviction remains, while former trade minister Tom Lembong was fully acquitted through abolition. Analysts interpret these moves as efforts by Prabowo to embrace opponents and foster collaboration across political factions, though PDIP continues to position itself as opposition despite some support for Prabowo. The pardons were part of a larger clemency package involving over 1,100 inmates, prioritizing vulnerable prisoners. Critics, including legal experts and human rights advocates, warn that such pardons may reflect political interference in the judiciary and risk undermining anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia. Parliamentary approval is required for such clemency, and the move may also be seen as part of Prabowo's strategy to solidify broader political support.