President Prabowo Subianto recently made a significant decision to grant amnesty and abolition to PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto and businessman Tom Lembong, receiving praise for his wisdom and foresight. This move is widely seen as a positive step towards national reconciliation and unity, especially as Indonesia approaches its 80th Independence Day celebrations.
Senior politician Fahri Hamzah commended President Prabowo for his quick and thoughtful response to address concerns about societal divisions. The decision was seen as a signal aiming to end social polarization and initiate a broader reconciliation process, particularly in preparation for the symbolic moment of August 17, 2025.
Fahri emphasized the significance of President Prabowo’s use of constitutional prerogative, highlighting its role in restoring societal harmony amidst attempts by certain groups to sow disunity. He expressed optimism that the President’s decision reflects a genuine effort to reunify the nation and bring about greater cohesion.
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) approved the amnesty for 1,116 convicted individuals, including Hasto Kristiyanto, as detailed in Presidential Letter No. 42/Pres/072725 issued on July 30, 2025. Both amnesty and abolition are forms of the President’s prerogative rights under the Indonesian Constitution, aimed at eliminating legal consequences resulting from criminal convictions.
Overall, President Prabowo’s exercise of constitutional power is viewed as a sincere endeavor to unite the nation and counteract fragmentation, with Fahri Hamzah and others welcoming the decision as a positive step towards rebuilding societal harmony.
