Former Indonesian Parliament Speaker Setya Novanto has been released on parole from the Sukamiskin Penitentiary in Bandung. The declaration came on Sunday, August 17, with officials confirming his conditional freedom began on Saturday, August 16.

“He is free on parole,” stated Kusnali, the Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections. This growth follows a meaningful legal victory for Novanto, who had filed for an extraordinary legal review, known as a Reconsideration (PK), with the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Overturns Sentence for E-KTP Corruption Convict

The Supreme Court’s decision, dated June 4, 2025, was case Number 32 PK/PID.Sus/2020. It effectively reduced Novanto’s prison term by two and a half years. His original 15-year sentence for involvement in the e-KTP corruption scandal has now been amended to 12 years and 6 months.

This revised sentence made Novanto eligible for parole.According to correctional regulations, individuals can be considered for parole after serving two-thirds of their sentence. For Novanto, this threshold was met on August 16, 2025, enabling his release.

Parole Conditions and Reporting Requirements

It is indeed vital to note that Novanto’s release is not an unconditional release. As a parolee, he is subject to specific terms and conditions set by the court and correctional authorities.

A key requirement is a mandatory reporting schedule. This means Novanto must regularly check in with his supervising probation officers. This is a standard procedure for all individuals granted parole,ensuring continued oversight and adherence to their release terms.

Did You Know? The e-KTP corruption case involved widespread allegations of procurement fraud for electronic identity cards, impacting millions of citizens.

Key Details of the Setya novanto Case

Novanto, a prominent figure in Indonesian politics and a former speaker of the House of representatives, was a central figure in the high-profile e-KTP graft case. The legal process involved extensive investigations and trials, highlighting the complexities of high-level corruption cases.

Pro Tip: Understanding the legal framework surrounding parole and sentence reductions is crucial for comprehending the justice system’s mechanisms for managing convicted individuals.

Understanding Parole and Legal Reconsideration

The concept of parole, as seen in Novanto’s case, allows for the early release of inmates who have demonstrated good behavior or met certain sentence requirements. It is a mechanism designed to facilitate reintegration into society while maintaining a degree of supervision.

Legal reconsideration, or ‘PK’ in Indonesia, is a last resort legal remedy. It allows for a case to be reviewed if new evidence emerges or if there’s a belief that a significant legal error occurred during the initial proceedings. The Supreme Court’s review in novanto’s case exemplifies how this legal tool can alter the course of a sentence.

The decision to grant parole, particularly for corruption offenses, often sparks public debate about justice and accountability. The Indonesian legal system, like many others globally, continuously grapples with balancing punishment, rehabilitation, and public safety.

What’s Next for Setya Novanto?

With his parole granted, Novanto is now under the supervision of the correctional authorities. His adherence to the reporting conditions will be critical in determining the remainder of his supervised release. The outcome of such cases often influences public perception of the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

This development raises questions about the impact of sentence reductions on the perceived severity of corruption charges in Indonesia. It also prompts reflection on the efficacy of the parole system in achieving rehabilitative goals.