The administration of Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka has granted abolition to former trade minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong and amnesty to Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto, as part of a broader effort to promote national unity ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations on August 17, 2025.

Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, who initiated the proposal, said on Thursday that the decisions were made in the spirit of reconciliation and to foster a sense of solidarity among all political elements in the country.

“One of the main considerations in granting the abolition and amnesty was our desire to strengthen national unity ahead of the August 17, 2025 celebration,” Supratman said told a media conference at the House of Representatives (DPR) Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

He emphasized that the request for clemency was submitted directly to President Prabowo Subianto, and was intended “purely in the national interest,” not political favoritism. “We are thinking about the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), about keeping the nation together,” he said.

In addition to fostering political harmony, Supratman noted that both Lembong and Hasto had made meaningful contributions to the country. “We are grateful that the DPR, through its party factions, has accepted our reasoning. We now await the official issuance of the presidential decree,” he added.

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the DPR had approved the proposal after a joint consultation session between the executive and legislative branches earlier that day.

“The House has provided its consideration and approval regarding the President’s letter on granting abolition for pak Tom Lembong and amnesty for pak Hasto Kristiyanto,” Dasco told reporters.

The abolition granted to Lembong effectively terminates all ongoing legal proceedings related to his tenure as trade minister under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. The precise legal issues under scrutiny have not been officially disclosed. Meanwhile, the amnesty for Hasto clears any pending or potential charges, the nature of which also remains undisclosed.

According to Indonesian law, abolition and amnesty differ from a pardon: while a pardon is granted after conviction, abolition and amnesty are preventive measures issued before or during prosecution. The President must seek input and formal consideration from the House before either measure can be enacted.

Despite the presidential decision, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) said it had not yet received official documentation about Lembong’s abolition.

“We have not heard anything directly yet. We will study it first, and of course there will be input from the public prosecutors,” AGO spokesman Anang Supriatna said on Thursday.

He added that the office would wait for formal confirmation before making further comment. “Once we have certainty, we will inform the public,” he said.