Prabowo Submits Bill On Asset Confiscation Entering Prolegnas, Hardjuno: Serious Evidence Against Corruption

Legal observer, Hardjuno Wiwoho. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Legal observer and anti-corruption activist, Hardjuno Wiwoho, expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by the Prabowo Subianto Government which places the Asset Confiscation Bill in 5th place out of 40 proposals for the 2025-2029 Mid-Term Prolegnas.

According to him, this step is a strong signal that the government is serious in eradicating corruption systematically.

"Putting the Asset Confiscation Bill in the top five shows that the current government understands the urgency of this instrument in eradicating corruption. This is not only symbolic, but a strategic step to strengthen our legal system," Hardjuno said in a press statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 19.

As reported on Monday, November 18, the Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas in his official statement when he visited a meeting with the Legislation Body (Baleg) of the DPR, in Jakarta, said that he had put the proposed Asset Confiscation Bill in 5th place out of 40 proposals for the 2025-2029 Medium Term Prolegnas Bill.

Supratman said the government had previously proposed the Asset Confiscation Bill in the previous period of the National Legislation Program, but the discussion was hampered by political dynamics until it was ultimately incomplete at Commission III of the DPR.

Now, the government has again submitted an Asset Confiscation Bill in the National Legislation Program so that the bill can be discussed until it can finally be approved to be passed as a law by the DPR.

This doctoral candidate for Law and Development at Airlangga University (Unair) explained that the Asset Confiscation Bill is a crucial element to confiscate assets resulting from crime without having to go through a long criminal process. This model, known as Non-Consection Based Assets Forfeiture (NCB), has proven effective in many developed countries such as the United States and Britain.

Indonesia must immediately adopt this mechanism to close the legal loopholes that are often exploited by corruptors. With clear regulations, the state can take back public wealth that has been misappropriated for the benefit of the wider community," he said.

Furthermore, Hardjuno views the re-proposal of this bill as proof that the current government is not afraid to face political challenges that previously thwarted the deliberation of the bill in the past period.

"This courage should be appreciated. This is not just a promise, but a tangible form of President Prabowo's commitment to providing a deterrent effect for corruptors," he said.

In addition, he emphasized that regulations such as the Asset Confiscation Bill are not only a matter of asset returns, but also about strengthening the rule of law and restoring public trust in the government.

This RU is a tool that not only helps the recovery of state assets but also shows the seriousness of the state in upholding justice. I believe, with a strong political push, this bill will soon be passed into law," Hardjuno said.

Hardjuno also reminded the importance of careful implementation so that this regulation is not misused, as is the application of prudential principles in the UK.

"This RUU must be applied to human rights principles and legal justice so as not to cause new injustices," he explained.

Therefore, Hardjuno hopes that the DPR can show the same commitment as the government to accelerate the discussion of this bill.

"The DPR must be in line with the government's vision. Don't let this opportunity be wasted again like the previous period," Hardjuno concluded.