Prabowo: Don't Use the Law to 'Mess With' Political Opponents
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto has warned his ranks of law enforcement officials—from police, prosecutors, to other law enforcement agencies—not to use the law to “mess with” political opponents in Indonesia.
Before economists, investors, and economic practitioners at the Indonesia Economy Outlook (IEO) 2026 event in Jakarta on Friday (13/2), Prabowo affirmed that as the holder of the people’s mandate, he guarantees the rule of law prevails in Indonesia. According to him, legal certainty creates stability and provides a sense of calm and security for the people.
“I am determined: Obey the law! No compromise. We must uphold the law properly, but there must be no miscarriage of justice. The law must not be used as a tool to mess with political opponents. That is not allowed! I don’t want that, and I have already proven it—I have proven that I dare to grant abolition, I dare to grant amnesty if I feel something is wrong,” Prabowo stated firmly.
As quoted from Antara, Prabowo’s statement referred to his decision on July 31, 2025, to grant amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto, the PDIP Secretary General who had been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for a bribery case involving fugitive Harun Masiku.
At the same time, Prabowo also granted abolition to former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, who had been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for a sugar import case.
Hasto and Tom Lembong were on the opposing side from Prabowo during the 2024 presidential election.
On the same occasion, Prabowo also reminded judges to make rulings that leave no doubt as to their fairness. He described such rulings as decisions made “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“So, the courts must deliver fair decisions, beyond a reasonable doubt. There must be—there cannot be the slightest doubt. If there is a possibility that the defendant may be innocent, we must not deliver a final verdict against them. And as the holder of the people’s mandate, I bear that responsibility,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo then re-emphasized that the people need to live in a country where law enforcement officials are fair and uphold regulations in accordance with the prevailing law.
“Only with legal certainty can we guarantee stability and peace of mind for our people. Our people must feel they live in a society where the government is clean and fair,” Prabowo said.
“This is a prerequisite for a nation’s success. I have studied history—no country has succeeded without a clean and fair government. And I am determined, together with my team, to build a clean and fair government,” he added.