INDONESIA is set to begin releasing convicts from its notoriously overcrowded prisons after parliament approved the first stage of President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency plan on Thursday.

The first group of 1,116 will leave next week and include prominent rivals of previous president Joko Widodo who were jailed during his term, as well as Papuan independence activists.

The announcement from House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas followed a consultation between the government and party factions in the legislature.

President Subianto surprised the nation barely two months after he took office in October when he said he planned to grant clemency to 44,000 inmates nationwide.

Past Indonesian leaders have rarely used their amnesty powers, which require the approval of parliament.

Mr Agtas said the government is prioritising prisoners with mental disorders, the elderly, critically ill and those convicted of blasphemy or insulting the country’s leader.

Among the convicts set to be released are several prominent opposition figures, including Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto. PDI-P is the sole opposition party.

Mr Kristiyanto, a former Widodo ally who turned to harshly criticise the former president and his family, was sentenced only last week to 3.5 years in prison for bribery, relating to a 2019 legislative seat appointment scheme.

Mr Agtas said parliament had also approved an end to criminal proceedings against former trade minister Tom Lembong, a onetime ally of Mr Widodo who broke with him during the 2024 presidential election to support political rival Anies Baswedan.

“Both have demonstrated service to the nation, and our priority now is to strengthen the unity of the nation,” Mr Agtas said.

The group also includes six Papuan independence activists who are currently serving prison sentences for treason.