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Abstract
The granting of amnesty and abolition in Indonesia is a presidential prerogative under Article 14 of the 1945 Constitution. Its practice has exhibited complex and diverse patterns throughout Indonesia’s political history, from the Soekarno era to the Prabowo Subianto administration. It has generated controversy regarding the rule of law, substantive justice, transparency, and the protection of victims’ rights. This study aims to analyze the practice of amnesty and abolition from historical and juridical perspectives, evaluate its implications for the principle of the rule of law, and identify potential abuses of presidential discretion. Methods include case studies, comparative juridical analysis, and review of legal documents such as presidential decrees, Article 14 of the 1945 Constitution, court decisions, BPUPKI minutes, and legal literature. The analysis was conducted using historical, normative, and descriptive argumentative approaches. The results show that political considerations often influence the practice of amnesty and abolition, can create a perception of legal uncertainty, and that the DPR plays only a formal role. Patterns of granting amnesties differ by era: political stabilization (Soekarno, Soeharto); political rights rehabilitation (Habibie, Abdurrahman Wahid/Gus Dur); peace integration (SBY); and individual justice and human rights considerations (Jokowi, Prabowo). This research proposes a legal bureaucratic framework to strengthen transparency, accountability, and substantive justice. In conclusion, amnesties and abolitions should be implemented with due regard for justice, transparency, legal certainty, and public oversight to prevent abuse of power and to maintain public trust in the legal system.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Steinly Suwanto Putra, Gede Widhiana Suarda, Dominikus Rato, Bayu Dwi Anggono, Ruben Cornelius Siagian
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References
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Gemilang, Gilang, and Ismaidar Ismaidar. “Politik Hukum Restorative Justice Dalam Pembaharuan Hukum Pidana Di Indonesia.” Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research 4, no. 1 (2024): 7370–82.
Hamzani, Achmad Irwan, Tiyas Vika Widyastuti, Nur Khasanah, and Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli. “Legal Research Method: Theoretical and Implementative Review.” International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology 10, no. 2 (2023): 3610–19.
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Hidayatulloh, Hanip, and M Reza Saputra. “Juridical Comparison of the Mechanisms of Abolition and Amnesty in the Legal Systems of Russia and Indonesia.” Journal Evidence Of Law 4, no. 2 (2025): 722–36.
Huda, Ni’matul. Tawaran Otonomi Khusus Yang Ditolak Di Timor Timur. Nusamedia, 2021.
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Iskandar, Mizaj. Progresifitas Pemberian Amnesti Di Indonesia (Studi Pemberian Amnesti Kepada Baiq Nuril Maknun). Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, 2023.
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Mallongi, Andi Agung, Ryan Ramdani, and Yoga Saputra. “TINJAUAN YURIDIS KEWENANGAN PRESIDEN DALAM PEMBERIAN AMNESTI DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP PEMENUHAN HAK ASASI MANUSIA.” WICARANA 4, no. 2 (2025): 87–100.
Mokrosinska, Dorota. “Reclaiming Raison d’état: The Necessity of Executive Secrecy 1.” In State Secrecy and Democracy, 25–45. Routledge, 2023.
Nabiyyin, M Hafizh, and Stivani Ismawira Sinambela. “Peran Amnesty International Pada Pembatasan Kebebasan Berekspresi Human Rights Defender Di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Veronica Koman.” Papua Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations 3, no. 1 (2023): 1–18.
Nainggolan, Poltak Partogi. Transisi Dan Kandasnya Konsolidasi Demokratis Pasca-Soeharto. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia, 2021.
Novianto, Rico. “Regulatory Implementation in Aceh Special Autonomy Era by Local Government.” Nitiparitat Journal 4, no. 2 (2024): 45–56.
Pittari, Mariella. The State of Exception in Private Law. Università degli Studi di Torino, 2024.
Prayogo, Andri Rafi. Pengaruh Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Helsinki Terhadap Penegakan Hukum Hak Asasi Manusia Di Aceh Pasca Konflik. Universitas Islam Indonesia, 2025.
Purnama, Eddy, and Faisal Akbar Nasution. “The Shifting of the President Prerogative Powers in the Presidential System Post Amendment to the UUD 1945 in Indonesia.” Journal of Law and Sustainable Development 11, no. 11 (2023): e1793–e1793.
Putra, Eka Nugraha. Criminal Defamation and Freedom of Speech in the Internet Age: A Study for Indonesian Democratic Values. 2022.
Rahman, Roni Ali, Dyanatil Azkiya, and Siti Khoirun Nisak. “Melacak Pikiran Politik Gusdur Dalam Koran Petisi Tahun 1998-1999.” Multidisipliner Knowledge 3, no. 1 (2025): 70–85.
Rohman, Moh Mujibur, Nashrul Mu’minin, Mowafg Masuwd, and Elihami Elihami. “Methodological Reasoning Finds Law Using Normative Studies (Theory, Approach and Analysis of Legal Materials).” MAQASIDI: Jurnal Syariah Dan Hukum, 2024, 204–21.
Rosenberg, Justin. “Secret Origins of the State: The Structural Basis of Raison d’etat.” Review of International Studies 18, no. 2 (1992): 131–59.
Rothschild, Amy. “Human Rights in Timor-Leste’s Struggle for Independence.” Indonesia 115, no. 1 (2023): 31–43.
Sugiarto, Agus. “Juridical Analysis of the Process of Implementation of Crimination Related to Remedies for Clemency.” Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal) 4, no. 4 (2021).
Szabó, Zsolt. “Judicial Control of Parliamentary Procedure: Theoretical Framework Analyses.” Const. Rev. 9 (2023): 1.
Wijayatmi, Hastutining Dyah. Hubungan Bilateral RI-Timor Timur Pasca Kemerdekaan Timor Timur. UNS (Sebelas Maret University), 2004.
Yunus, Ahmad Syahril. Restorative Justice Di Indonesia. Guepedia, 2021.
Yuwita, Okky Surya. POLITIK HUKUM OLEH KEPOLISIAN DALAM MEWUJUDKAN KEADILAN RESTORATIF PADA PROSES PENYIDIKAN PIDANA. Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang, 2024.
Zulfaqaar, Azza. “Studi Riwayat Demokrasi Pasca Reformasi.” Nusantara: Jurnal Pendidikan, Seni, Sains Dan Sosial Humaniora 2, no. 01 (2024).
References
Ahmad, Ahmad. “Purifikasi Pemberian Amnesti Dan Abolisi: Suatu Ikhtiar Penyempurnaan Undang Undang Dasar 1945.” Ius Civile: Refleksi Penegakan Hukum Dan Keadilan 5, no. 2 (2021).
Akbar, Mohammad Rafsanjani, and Jamaluddin Jamaluddin. “Comparison of the Helsinki MoU 2005 and the Final Peace Agreement 1996: A Case Study of Aceh, Indonesia and Mindanao, Philippines.” Genesis Law and Social Sciences 1, no. 1 (2025): 16–22.
Alidar, EMK. Progresifitas Pemberian Amnesti Di Indonesia: Studi Pemberian Amnesti Kepada Baiq Nuril Maknun. LP2M UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, 2023.
Apandi, Ade, Ardhia Rachma Cahyani, and Feriana Radika Sari. “Dinamika Politik Dan Militer Di Indonesia Dalam Konteks Pemberontakan Dan Peralihan Kekuasaan (1946-1965).” Journal of Indonesian Social Studies Education 3, no. 1 (2025): 73–85.
Awaludin, Agus, Prasetia Randiana, Giovani Anggasta Pratiwi Lambouw, Aep Suhendi, Imas Rosidawati Wiradirja, and Deny Haspada. “Realitas Dan Idealitas Dalam Penegakan Hukum Di Era Kegundahan Politik.” Al-Zayn: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial & Hukum 3, no. 4 (2025): 4212–20.
Dewi, Kintan Farhayanti, Gede Sumerta, and Eri Hidayat. “Potensi Konflik Antara Pemerintah Provinsi Aceh Dan Pemerintah Pusat Republik Indonesia Terhadap Implementasi Memorandum of Understanding Helsinki Dalam Perspektif Amnesti Internasional.” Jurnal Education and Development 10, no. 1 (2022): 1–7.
Eddyono, Sri Wiyanti. “The Relationship between Human Rights and Criminal Law: A Human Rights-Based Criminal Justice System.” In International Human Rights and Local Courts, 114–35. Routledge, 2024.
Fauzi, Suyogi Imam. “Politik Hukum Pemberian Grasi, Amnesti Dan Abolisisebagai Konsekuensi Logis Hak Prerogatif.” Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan 51, no. 3 (2021): 621–36.
Gemilang, Gilang, and Ismaidar Ismaidar. “Politik Hukum Restorative Justice Dalam Pembaharuan Hukum Pidana Di Indonesia.” Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research 4, no. 1 (2024): 7370–82.
Hamzani, Achmad Irwan, Tiyas Vika Widyastuti, Nur Khasanah, and Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli. “Legal Research Method: Theoretical and Implementative Review.” International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology 10, no. 2 (2023): 3610–19.
Herin, Jacob J. Siapa Yang Bertanggung Jawab Atas Semua Peristiwa HAM Di Timor Timur?-Jejak Pustaka. Jejak Pustaka, 2023.
Hidayah, Siti, and Aris Setyo Nugroho. “Pemberian Amnesti Dan Abolisi Dalam Tindak Pidana Korupsi: Tinjauan Hukum Dan Analisis Keadilan Prosedural.” Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice 2, no. 1 (2025): 13–20.
Hidayatulloh, Hanip, and M Reza Saputra. “Juridical Comparison of the Mechanisms of Abolition and Amnesty in the Legal Systems of Russia and Indonesia.” Journal Evidence Of Law 4, no. 2 (2025): 722–36.
Huda, Ni’matul. Tawaran Otonomi Khusus Yang Ditolak Di Timor Timur. Nusamedia, 2021.
Irhamdessetya, Hani. Rekonstruksi Regulasi Perlindungan Saksi Dan Korban Dalam Perspektif Sistem Peradilan Pidana Berbasis Nilai Keadilan Restoratif. Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (Indonesia), 2024.
Iskandar, Mizaj. Progresifitas Pemberian Amnesti Di Indonesia (Studi Pemberian Amnesti Kepada Baiq Nuril Maknun). Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, 2023.
Joshua, Norman. Fashioning Authoritarianism: Militarization of Society in Indonesia, 1930-1966. Northwestern University, 2023.
Kasim, Aksah, and Andi Heridah. “Urgensi Pembentukan Undang-Undang Amnesti Dan Abolisi: Mengatasi Kekosongan Hukum Dan Kepastian Dalam Sistem Ketatanegaraan.” Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research 5, no. 4 (2025): 11597–607.
Kristanto, Kiki, Rahma Melisha Fajrina, Amran Wahid, and Sepriano Sepriano. Sinergitas TNI-Polri Menangani Terorisme Di Indonesia. PT. Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia, 2025.
Lenta, Patrick. “Amnesties, Transitional Justice and the Rule of Law.” Hague Journal on the Rule of Law 15, no. 3 (2023): 441–69.
Mallongi, Andi Agung, Ryan Ramdani, and Yoga Saputra. “TINJAUAN YURIDIS KEWENANGAN PRESIDEN DALAM PEMBERIAN AMNESTI DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP PEMENUHAN HAK ASASI MANUSIA.” WICARANA 4, no. 2 (2025): 87–100.
Mokrosinska, Dorota. “Reclaiming Raison d’état: The Necessity of Executive Secrecy 1.” In State Secrecy and Democracy, 25–45. Routledge, 2023.
Nabiyyin, M Hafizh, and Stivani Ismawira Sinambela. “Peran Amnesty International Pada Pembatasan Kebebasan Berekspresi Human Rights Defender Di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Veronica Koman.” Papua Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations 3, no. 1 (2023): 1–18.
Nainggolan, Poltak Partogi. Transisi Dan Kandasnya Konsolidasi Demokratis Pasca-Soeharto. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia, 2021.
Novianto, Rico. “Regulatory Implementation in Aceh Special Autonomy Era by Local Government.” Nitiparitat Journal 4, no. 2 (2024): 45–56.
Pittari, Mariella. The State of Exception in Private Law. Università degli Studi di Torino, 2024.
Prayogo, Andri Rafi. Pengaruh Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Helsinki Terhadap Penegakan Hukum Hak Asasi Manusia Di Aceh Pasca Konflik. Universitas Islam Indonesia, 2025.
Purnama, Eddy, and Faisal Akbar Nasution. “The Shifting of the President Prerogative Powers in the Presidential System Post Amendment to the UUD 1945 in Indonesia.” Journal of Law and Sustainable Development 11, no. 11 (2023): e1793–e1793.
Putra, Eka Nugraha. Criminal Defamation and Freedom of Speech in the Internet Age: A Study for Indonesian Democratic Values. 2022.
Rahman, Roni Ali, Dyanatil Azkiya, and Siti Khoirun Nisak. “Melacak Pikiran Politik Gusdur Dalam Koran Petisi Tahun 1998-1999.” Multidisipliner Knowledge 3, no. 1 (2025): 70–85.
Rohman, Moh Mujibur, Nashrul Mu’minin, Mowafg Masuwd, and Elihami Elihami. “Methodological Reasoning Finds Law Using Normative Studies (Theory, Approach and Analysis of Legal Materials).” MAQASIDI: Jurnal Syariah Dan Hukum, 2024, 204–21.
Rosenberg, Justin. “Secret Origins of the State: The Structural Basis of Raison d’etat.” Review of International Studies 18, no. 2 (1992): 131–59.
Rothschild, Amy. “Human Rights in Timor-Leste’s Struggle for Independence.” Indonesia 115, no. 1 (2023): 31–43.
Sugiarto, Agus. “Juridical Analysis of the Process of Implementation of Crimination Related to Remedies for Clemency.” Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal) 4, no. 4 (2021).
Szabó, Zsolt. “Judicial Control of Parliamentary Procedure: Theoretical Framework Analyses.” Const. Rev. 9 (2023): 1.
Wijayatmi, Hastutining Dyah. Hubungan Bilateral RI-Timor Timur Pasca Kemerdekaan Timor Timur. UNS (Sebelas Maret University), 2004.
Yunus, Ahmad Syahril. Restorative Justice Di Indonesia. Guepedia, 2021.
Yuwita, Okky Surya. POLITIK HUKUM OLEH KEPOLISIAN DALAM MEWUJUDKAN KEADILAN RESTORATIF PADA PROSES PENYIDIKAN PIDANA. Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang, 2024.
Zulfaqaar, Azza. “Studi Riwayat Demokrasi Pasca Reformasi.” Nusantara: Jurnal Pendidikan, Seni, Sains Dan Sosial Humaniora 2, no. 01 (2024).