The government is reviewing a wide-ranging proposal to grant amnesty, abolition, or legal rehabilitation to several groups, including former members of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), political detainees, and individuals charged under various criminal statutes. 

The plan, still in its early stages, reflects what officials describe as a national effort to reconcile past grievances while addressing long-standing concerns over legal certainty.

The deliberations took place during an inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, chaired by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Institution Yusril Ihza Mahendra. Representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, the Law and Home Affairs ministries, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Immigration and Corrections Directorates were also present.

Yusril confirmed the government was compiling a list of individuals who could potentially receive state clemency. “These discussions involve former Jamaah Islamiyah members, political detainees, and individuals accused in other cases,” he told reporters.

“The government must be extremely careful in determining who qualifies. Amnesty and abolition apply to individuals, not organizations,” he added.

According to Yusril, the assessment includes humanitarian considerations, fairness, and alignment with national reconciliation efforts. Authorities are also reviewing cases where individuals have remained in prolonged legal limbo designated as suspects without follow-up prosecution.

The Law Ministry has proposed four priority categories for possible amnesty: minor narcotics users, perpetrators of nonviolent acts of treason, individuals charged under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, particularly those accused of insulting the president or head of state and inmates with special needs, such as persons with severe mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, serious illnesses, or elderly inmates above 70.

No final decision has been made. But Yusril said any policy must balance compassion with national security and legal clarity. “This initiative is not merely about granting forgiveness. It is part of a broader effort toward legal consolidation and national reconciliation,” he said.

BNPT, BNN urge caution

BNPT Chief Commissioner General Eddy Hartono stressed the need for strict vetting, particularly regarding individuals linked to terrorism cases.

“The state’s role is not only to punish but also to restore,” Eddy said.

He noted that since 2024, all former JI leaders had publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the Indonesian state. “However, we continue to adhere to Law No. 5/2018. Recommendations must be made with caution,” Eddy cited.

Officials emphasized that the review remains preliminary and that further discussions will be needed before recommendations reach the President.

The scope of the proposal, spanning terrorism, narcotics, political offenses, and digital defamation cases, suggests the government is preparing its most expansive clemency review in years.

For now, authorities insist the process will prioritize national security while addressing long-standing demands for justice and legal certainty.

BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto called for a clear distinction between drug users and low-level offenders and those embedded in major trafficking networks.

“Large-scale traffickers will not be eligible for amnesty or abolition. But small-scale offenders who are not part of a syndicate and have shown genuine reform could be considered,” he said.