August 1, 2025 | 05:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto, with the approval of the House of Representatives (DPR), granted amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto and terminated the legal proceedings against Thomas Trikasih Lembong, also known as Tom Lembong.
Amnesty refers to the president’s authority to pardon individuals or groups convicted of criminal offenses. Abolition, on the other hand, is the president’s right to halt an ongoing legal process or trial.
However, the decision to grant amnesty and abolition has drawn criticism from various quarters, especially because both Hasto and Tom are suspects in corruption cases. Below are some of the reactions to President Prabowo’s legal clemency:
Former KPK Investigator: Amnesty Violates the Constitution
Former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Praswad Nugraha said that the amnesty granted to Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto violates constitutional principles. He warned that amnesty should not be used to absolve individuals involved in corruption.
“If this is allowed, the president risks being accused of engaging in disgraceful conduct,” Praswad said in a written statement on Friday, August 1, 2025.
He argued that the amnesty law appears to be used as a loophole to release corruption suspects. According to him, President Prabowo's move gives the impression of protecting corrupt actors under the guise of constitutional power.
“Using amnesty in this way amounts to impunity. It turns a constitutional provision into a tool to shield corrupt individuals,” he added.
Legal Expert Suggests Political Motive
Chudry Sitompul, a criminal law expert from the University of Indonesia, said that the use of abolition and amnesty often reflects political motivations.
“This is a political gesture from President Prabowo to reduce tensions and calm political waters,” Chudry said when contacted on Thursday, July 31.
He explained that Tom Lembong was granted abolition because his case is still under appeal and has not reached a final, binding decision.
Professor Questions Decision to Grant Legal Forgiveness
Hibnu Nugroho, a law professor at Jenderal Soedirman University, questioned President Prabowo’s decision, emphasizing that the cases involving Hasto and Tom are criminal in nature and linked to corruption.
“These are criminal cases. If they are being treated as political cases, then the president’s decision is exceptional,” Hibnu said in an interview with Tempo on Friday.
He explained that abolition and amnesty are typically reserved for political cases and must receive DPR approval. In his view, corruption cases should be settled through the judicial system.
Although he disagrees with using amnesty in these particular cases, Hibnu said he still respects the president’s authority, as the power to grant abolition and amnesty is part of the prerogative rights outlined in the 1945 Constitution.
Eka Yudha Saputra, M Raihan Muzzaki, Anastasya Lavenia Yudi, and M Rizki Yusrial contributed to the writing of this article.
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