By: Fahri Hamzah
PALONTARAQ.ID – President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to grant amnesty to PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristianto and, at the same time, provide abolition to Tom Lembong, the former co-pilot of the Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar success team, is an absolutely fitting choice.
The swift reaction from the leadership of the Indonesian House of Representatives, as conveyed by Professor Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, is also an action that demonstrates the ability to read the signals of the president’s strong desire to end societal division and initiate a grand reconciliation, especially as we approach the 80th Proclamation Day on August 17, 2025.
For me, this is joyful and moving news amidst the intentions of a few individuals to perpetuate division. The president has come forward with a firm stance, using his authority to make a decision that has a significant impact on restoring harmony within our society.
On one hand, in recent times, President Prabowo was urged to intervene in the judiciary, which he refused. He allowed the judiciary’s freedom and independence to function as it should. However, as the leader of the state and government, the president is constitutionally granted the right to provide amnesty, abolition, and rehabilitation.
Along with 1,116 others who received remission ahead of August this year, the President also granted amnesty to those who insulted the President, those accused of treason without weapons, the elderly, and others.
However, the President specifically granted amnesty and abolition to two key figures who have divided our society today. Hasto’s supporters believe that his trial is political revenge from those who view the political stance of PDIP and the supporters of Ganjar-Mahfud in general as the reason Hasto was dragged to court.
On the other hand, Tom Lembong’s supporters believe that his position as the former co-pilot of the success team supporting the Anies-Muhaimin presidential pair is the reason faults were sought in him.
For months, our virtual world has been filled with division due to these two important political figures being used as a moment by their supporters and those who are disappointed to create anger on both sides. However, this anger cannot be entirely directed at the newly formed government, nor can it be considered fully responsible for the ongoing legal processes. This is a matter for the judiciary.
But, in the hands of a skilled executive leader, the best decision has been made. May the use of President Prabowo’s constitutional rights be seen as an effort to reunite this great nation from elements and possibilities of division. I am truly moved because the timing is perfect as we are about to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia, which we love.
May the commemoration of the August 17 Proclamation tomorrow be colored by reconciliation at the elite level and also reconciliation at the level of the Indonesian people. Let us enter this August with a sense of brotherhood and stop the intentions of those who wish to divide us.
Out there, the world is not in a good state; even in ASEAN, there are already signs of civil war. As a great nation, Indonesia should set an example of strengthening social cohesion and ending factional politics, and let us put an end to extreme attitudes in viewing our fellow countrymen.
I congratulate Mas Hasto and Bung Tom on this presidential decision, but I want to express my gratitude to President Prabowo and to Pak Dasco and colleagues in the DPR for their remarkably swift response. Freedom! #BulanRekonsiliasi #80TahunIndonesia
Fahri Hamzah, Depok, moments before August 1, 2025.
