KPK Reveals The Importance Of The Asset Confiscation Bill: Can Confiscate Assets Abroad To Strengthen Bilateral Relations

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika (Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) emphasized that the draft Asset Confiscation Law (RUU) is actually an urgent need in efforts to eradicate corruption in the country.

This was conveyed by KPK Spokesperson Tessa Mahardika when asked about the Asset Confiscation Bill which was not included in the list of priority agendas for the national legislation program (prolegnas). He said, this legislation actually increases the effectiveness of eradicating corruption as well as meets international standards.

"The discussion of the draft asset confiscation law is an urgent need for the Indonesian people to increase the effectiveness of eradicating corruption, strengthen the legal system, recover state losses, and at the same time comply with international standards," said Tessa in a written statement, Friday, October 25.

Tessa said this law could later help law enforcement officials to confiscate assets abroad if passed. Thus, the return of state losses due to corruptors can be maximized.

"Corruption perpetrators often hide or transfer their assets so that they cannot be reached by the legal authority," said the spokesman with the investigator's background.

In addition, confiscation of assets also no longer needs to wait for a criminal decision. "As a result, the booty can increase state revenue as one of the national development capitals," said Tessa.

"This will have a direct impact on strengthening state finances and supporting other social programs," he continued.

Furthermore, Tessa said the benefits of this law also made Indonesia seen by the international community. This is because the commitment to implement UNCAC ratification is to improve the law enforcement system for corrupt practices involving cross-border actors.

In addition, Indonesia has also committed to meeting international standards in the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing regulated by the FATF. Where one of the main prerequisites for becoming a full member of the FATF is the state's ability to confiscate and confiscate assets from criminal acts, especially related to money laundering and corruption," he explained.

"Thus the asset confiscation law will also strengthen Indonesia's credibility in the eyes of the international community, especially in law enforcement and commitment to good governance," said Tessa.

Finally, this law is also useful in increasing Indonesia's credibility in the eyes of the world. A country that has strong laws in terms of confiscation of assets resulting from crime tends to be seen as more credible and has greater confidence in international relations, both in terms of economy and law," he concluded.