Indonesia Begins Mass Prisoner Release Under President Subianto’s Clemency Plan

Indonesia Begins Mass Prisoner Release Under President Subianto’s Clemency Plan
……………….

Indonesia has started releasing over 1,100 inmates, including political prisoners, following parliament’s approval of President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency initiative, Al Jazeera reported. The first group was freed on Friday after Subianto signed a decree granting amnesties aimed at fostering national unity.

The pardons prioritize political detainees, juveniles, elderly inmates, and those with health issues. Among those released were prominent figures like Hasto Kristiyanto, former secretary-general of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, and former Trade Minister Tom Lembong, both jailed under previous administrations.

Six independence activists from West Papua, imprisoned for treason, were also freed. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas emphasized the effort’s goal to strengthen national solidarity. Authorities plan to submit a second list of 1,668 inmates for release soon. The wide-ranging clemency program marks a significant political move less than two months into Subianto’s presidency.