Indonesia is preparing to release over a thousand inmates next week under President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious clemency plan, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s penal policy. This mass release, which includes political rivals, Papuan activists, and vulnerable prisoners, follows parliamentary approval of the first phase of the clemency initiative.

Announced late Thursday by House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, the move will see 1,116 prisoners walk free in the coming days. It’s the opening wave of President Subianto’s broader plan to pardon up to 44,000 convicts across Indonesia’s overcrowded prisons.

Among those slated for release are Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and a fierce critic of former President Joko Widodo, as well as six Papuan activists previously jailed for treason. Former Trade Minister Tom Lembong, once allied with Widodo but later a backer of opposition leader Anies Baswedan, is also receiving clemency.

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Law Minister Agtas noted that clemency is being prioritized for the elderly, mentally ill, terminally ill, and those imprisoned for blasphemy or defamation of the president. He emphasized that the aim is national unity and reconciliation.

“Both Hasto and Lembong have contributed to the country’s political fabric. It’s time we focus on healing divisions,” Agtas said.

This move marks a stark departure from previous governments, which have rarely exercised clemency powers. The administration is also expected to submit a second list of 1,668 prisoners for approval soon, indicating more sweeping releases on the horizon.

The plan, while celebrated by rights groups, has also drawn scrutiny for possibly setting political precedents. Still, it signals a bold push by Prabowo to reshape Indonesia’s political landscape and prison system.

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