Tommy Suharto is among more than 35,000 prisoners – almost half of all Indonesian inmates – who have had their sentences cut to mark the country's 57th independence day.

The reduction in sentences, varying from one to six months, were symbolically granted on independence day Saturday during a ceremony at a correctional institute in Serang, west of Jakarta. Justice and Human Rights Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra was in attendance, the state Antara news agency said Sunday.

Indonesia has 73,794 prisoners currently serving time. All of them, except those on death row or serving life terms, are eligible for annual sentence cuts on independence day if they show good conduct during the year.

Among recipients was Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra Suharto, the youngest son of Indonesia's former dictator Suharto, who is serving 15 years for murdering a judge and illegal weapons possessions.

Tommy, who was sentenced in July and is being held on the island prison of Nusakambangan, had his sentence reduced by one month. Because of the reductions, a total of 3,679 prisoners were able to walk free Saturday.