Prabowo's Pardon of 2 Opposition Politicians: A Unifying Move, But May Hurt Justice System

Indonesian President's action seen as a way to strengthen his ruling coalition

- Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja

JAKARTA - A move by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to issue presidential pardons to two prominent Indonesian politicians who have been convicted of graft has raised concerns over judicial interference and commitment to the fight against corruption in the country.

The surprise decision was announced on Aug 1 for opposition figures Hasto Kristiyanto and Thomas Lembong, just days after they were convicted in separate graft cases.

Some observers see Mr Prabowo's decision as a way to strengthen his ruling coalition, and a ploy to weaken former president Joko Widodo's hold on the government. This was the first time that an Indonesian president has pardoned those convicted of corruption.

Mr Hasto and Mr Lembong were among more than 1,000 convicts—including the elderly and the frail, and those jailed for using small amounts of drugs—who were given presidential pardons as part of Indonesia's independence celebrations. The country's Independence Day is on Aug 17.

"This decision carries a message that the law is actually being controlled by political dynamics, hence blurring the value of justice and hurting legal certainty," said Mr Fajar Trilaksana, director at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation.