Conditional Release For Setya Novanto Class Corruptors Should Be Selective

Convicts of corruption cases in the e-KTP procurement project, Setya Novanto, are conditional free (doc. Antara).

JAKARTA - Former investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Praswad Nugraha, said that parole for corruptors should be given transparently. Do not let this become perceived as a form of compromise against perpetrators of corruption.

This was conveyed by Praswad in response to the parole received by Setya Novanto. The former chairman of the DPR RI is a convict of a corruption case in the electronic identity card procurement project (e-KTP).

"The ideal practice of PB (conditional release) against corruption convicts must be selective with clear indicators."

"Has the perpetrators been cooperative in recovering state losses, showing real regret, and contributing positively while serving the sentence?" Praswad told reporters in a written statement, Monday, August 18, 2025.

Praswad said that parole is indeed a legal right. However, gifts to corruptors such as Setya Novanto must be given carefully.

"Without transparent and accountable standards, PB will be perceived as a form of compromise against extraordinary crimes."

"We emphasize that even though PB is a legal right, its application to heavyweight corruptors such as Setya Novanto must be very careful. Otherwise, the deterrent effect disappears, public trust collapses, and the message conveyed is dangerous that corruption can be negotiated," said the Chairman of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Syndicate (SEA Action).

As previously reported, Setya Novanto or Setnov, who is the former chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, was finally released. He was able to breathe fresh air after the proposed conditional release program was approved by the Ditjenpas Correctional Observer Team (TPP) Session on August 10, 2025.

The proposal is part of 1,000 fostered programs throughout Indonesia. In its decision, Setnov is considered to have met administrative and substantial requirements.

He is considered to have good behavior during his time as an inmate, actively participating in coaching to show a decrease in risk and this is in accordance with Article 10 Paragraph 2 of Law Number 22 of 2022.

In addition, Setnov is also considered to have carried out 2/3 of the sentence as stipulated in Article 10 Paragraph 3 of Law Number 22 of 2022.

"On August 16, 2025, he was expelled from Sukamiskin Prison with a Conditional Program, based on the Decree of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections on August 15, 2025, No. PAS-1423 PK.05.03 of 2025," said Head of Public Relations and Protocol of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjen PAS), Rika Aprianti, in her statement, Sunday, August 17, 2025.