DPR: Opening Blocks Free Dormant Accounts

DPR Building in Senayan, South Jakarta. (Unsplash-Dino Januarsa)

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission XI DPR RI Mukhamad Misbakhun emphasized that the opening of the account block by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) was free of charge.

He said the government through PPATK had reactivated blocked accounts, especially those with domestic or inactive status in recent months, according to applicable regulations.

"For the opening of the blocking of accounts carried out by PPATK, there is no need to pay anything," Misbakhun told reporters, Monday, August 11.

This was conveyed by Misbakhun in response to a viral issue that stated that there was an obligation to pay Rp. 100,000 to reactivate blocked accounts.

"All bank officials have stated that the activation of accounts previously frozen by PPATK does not use a cutting mechanism or payment of Rp. 100,000 as discussed," he continued.

Misbakhun said the policy of closing inactive accounts was aimed at preventing account misuse for illegal activities, such as online gambling, illegal transfers, and banking fraud. However, he acknowledged that there were weaknesses in the socialization of the policy.

"As a result, some people affected by the policy do not understand the reasons behind the blocking, especially for accounts used to save or invest in the long term," he said.

Misbakhun explained, for accounts that are blocked but not related to illegal activities, the owner simply submits a request for activation through the bank without being charged.

The Golkar legislator explained that President Prabowo Subianto had ordered the Head of PPATK to open all accounts without any levies, which were then followed by all national banks, both Himbara and the private sector.

Activation of accounts that were previously blocked there are no provisions for payment, dues or any kind of fee. Everything is free. Maybe the statements previously circulated were made prior to the President's directive," concluded Misbakhun.