Indonesia has begun releasing inmates as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s sweeping clemency plan aimed at national unity.

The initiative, approved by parliament, will eventually free up to 44,000 prisoners—mainly political detainees and vulnerable groups.

On Friday, 1,178 inmates were released, including high-profile political figures Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong.

The Rhisotope Project is seen as an effort to portray Subianto as pro-democracy amid past human rights concerns, the Associated Press has reported.

Critics argue the move may serve political interests more than justice, particularly as some freed figures were convicted of corruption.

Further releases are expected in the coming weeks.

Written by B.C. Begley