KPK: Bill On Asset Confiscation Will Become Extra Ammunition To Save And Restore State Finances

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) appreciates President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s desire and the government's encouragement to include the Asset Confiscation Bill (RUU) in the 2022 priority national legislation program (Prolegnas).

The chairman of the KPK, Firli Bahuri, even said that if this bill was passed, it would be ammunition for his party in an effort to restore state finances.

"The law (asset confiscation, ed) will be extra ammunition for the KPK to optimize efforts to rescue, return and recover state finances," Firli said at a press conference at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Wednesday, December 29.

In addition to ammunition, Firli also revealed that this regulation is actually in line with KPK's efforts to take action, which not only provides a deterrent effect for corruptors but also optimizes asset returns.

Moreover, so far this year, the KPK has succeeded in contributing to state revenue from asset returns of IDR 374.4 billion so far this year.

In detail, Rp192 billion was deposited into the state treasury; Rp4.3 billion was deposited into the regional treasury; and Rp. 177.9 billion, representing the transfer of bpnt through the determination of usage status and grants.

"This proposed regulation is in line with the KPK's enforcement strategy, which not only aims to provide a deterrent effect to perpetrators of corruption, but also how law enforcement provides optimal asset recovery as a contributor to state revenue," said the former deputy for prosecution of the Corruption Eradication Commission.

"KPK hopes for full support from the legislature to prioritize the discussion and ratification of the Asset Confiscation Bill in order to realize fair law enforcement and provide real benefits for the nation, state and all Indonesian people," added Firli.

Previously, President Jokowi ordered his staff and the legislature to push for and immediately ratify the Asset Confiscation Bill. This legislation is considered important for fair law enforcement.

"The government continues to push for the immediate enactment of the Law on the Confiscation of Criminal Assets. It is also very important that we continue to push it," said Jokowi when opening the commemoration of World Anti-Corruption Day (Hakordia) 2021 at the KPK Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, December 9.

Jokowi hopes that this legislation can be passed soon. Thus, the law can be enforced in order to improve the welfare of the community.

"We hope that next year, God willing, this can be completed so that fair law enforcement can be realized in a professional and accountable manner to improve people's welfare," said Jokowi.