Jakarta (ANTARA) - Former trade minister Thomas "Tom" Lembong and politician Hasto Kristiyanto were released from prison on Friday after they were granted pardons by President Prabowo Subianto.
Lembong stepped out from Cipinang Prison in East Jakarta at 10:05 p.m. local time, accompanied by his spouse, Francisca Wihardja, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, and his legal counsel.
“I am now breathing fresh air again, reunited with my beloved family and returning to normal life,” the former minister said upon leaving the prison.
He also expressed gratitude to God, Prabowo, and the House of Representatives (DPR) speakers for the smooth process, which led to his clemency and release from prison.
Meanwhile, earlier at 9:23 p.m., Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary general Kristiyanto took his first step out of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Prison in Jakarta.
The politician expressed gratitude to Almighty God and lauded party members for their continued support. He also commended President Prabowo for granting him amnesty.
Kristiyanto described the amnesty as the President’s response to his plea for true justice during his trial.
Baca juga: Tom Lembong katakan abolisi tak hanya bebaskan fisik saya, tapi pulihkan nama baik
Lembong and Kristiyanto were allowed to leave prison after the decree on their clemency and amnesty was handed over to the prison authorities.
On Wednesday, President Prabowo sought the parliament’s advice on the proposed clemency for Lembong, who was convicted of corruption.
DPR Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad informed that the parliament approved Lembong’s clemency the following day.
Baca juga: Cak Imin doakan vonis Tom Lembong dihapus
Ahmad said that the parliament also approved the proposed presidential amnesty for 1,116 inmates, including Kristiyanto, who was found guilty of bribery.
Lembong had been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for corruption related to the improper issuance of sugar import permits, causing state losses of Rp194.72 billion.
Meanwhile, Kristiyanto had been convicted of bribery in a parliamentary replacement process involving fugitive Harun Masiku and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.
The President’s authority to grant clemency and amnesty, in consultation with the DPR, is stipulated in Article 14 of the Indonesian Constitution.
