Anies Baswedan Meets Tom Lembong Post-Pardon

Former Jakarta Governor to Discuss Next Steps Following Presidential Clemency

Anies Baswedan, former governor of DKI Jakarta, has voiced his engagement concerning the clemency granted by President Prabowo Subianto to Thomas Trikasih Lembong, formerly the Minister of Trade.

Awaiting Lembong’s Decision

Baswedan expressed his anticipation of the full completion of the pardon process, stating, “This is certainly good news for Tom Lembong and his family. We await its finalization.” He plans to meet with Lembong to understand his perspective on accepting the clemency.

Following this meeting, Baswedan indicated that he would consult with Lembong’s legal team. Lembong was a member of Baswedan’s campaign team during the 2024 Presidential Election. “I will meet with Tom Lembong first, hear from him what the future steps are, which will naturally be discussed with the attorney,” he added, emphasizing that Mr. Lembong’s opinion is paramount.

Legal Process to Halt

Previously, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas confirmed that all ongoing legal proceedings against Lembong would cease upon receiving the clemency. This cessation is a direct consequence of the pardon proposal being officially accepted by the DPR (House of Representatives).

“For the granting of clemency to brother Tom Lembong, the consequences, if it is clemency, then all ongoing legal processes are stopped. Yes, it is stopped.”

—Supratman Andi Agtas, Minister of Law

Agtas further explained that after deliberation by the DPR, President Prabowo would issue a Presidential Decree (Keppres) to formalize the clemency. He urged the public to await the official signing of this decree.

Indonesia’s legal system has various mechanisms for resolving cases, including restorative justice approaches. For instance, in 2023, the Attorney General’s Office reported resolving over 160 cases through restorative justice, often involving community-based solutions and victim consent (CNN Indonesia, 2024).

Anticipation for Presidential Decree

The Minister of Law noted the DPR’s agreement with the factions on the consideration. “We are grateful tonight because the consideration from the DPR has been agreed upon by the factions. We will wait for the next presidential decision to be published,” he concluded.