Hanin Marwah, Jakarta – Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Transparency International Indonesia (TII), and the IM57+ Institute have strongly criticized President Prabowo Subianto's decision to grant special privileges to two corruption convicts.
President Prabowo granted abolition to former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, also known as Tom Lembong, and amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
The three organizations argue that granting abolition and amnesty to individuals whose legal processes are still ongoing constitutes political interference in anti-corruption law enforcement and undermines the principle of checks and balances.
"Executive intervention in the judiciary disrupts judicial independence," said ICW researcher Almas Sjafrina in a written statement on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The groups believe that regardless of criticisms directed at current law enforcement, interfering with the judicial process remains unjustifiable.
Almas emphasized that court proceedings are a vital mechanism to expose systemic weaknesses and serve as a basis for future policy reforms. In this case, both Tom Lembong and Hasto still have the legal right to pursue appeals, cassation, or judicial review.
Granting abolition and amnesty prematurely, they argue, halts the judicial process and prevents full examination of the evidence. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials who mishandle cases should be held accountable under the Code of Ethics and/or Judicial Conduct.
"If a case is simply shut down through abolition or amnesty, the entire judicial process is effectively erased," Almas said.
The organizations warn that Prabowo's decision could set a dangerous precedent. Future corruption suspects may attempt to exploit political narratives to obtain similar pardons. "This weakens the fight against corruption and reinforces impunity."
Tom Lembong was convicted and sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a 2015-2016 sugar import case. Hasto was sentenced to three and a half years for bribing General Elections Commission member Wahyu Setiawan to help Harun Masiku become a replacement legislator.
Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas confirmed that he had submitted the abolition request for Tom Lembong to the President.
"All proposals to the President come from the Ministry of Law. I personally signed the letter requesting amnesty and abolition," said Supratman.
– Jihan Ristiyanti contributed to the writing of this article.