Case Explained: Asset Confiscation Bill is Considered Key to Eradicating Corruption and Economic Crime – Legal Perspective

JAKARTA – Legal and Development Expert from Unair, Hardjuno Wiwoho, said that the start of discussion of the Draft Law on Asset Confiscation by Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives is an important momentum that the country should not waste.

Because the bill is a key instrument in efforts to eradicate corruption and economic crimes in Indonesia. So far, law enforcement has often stopped at the prosecution of perpetrators, without being accompanied by the optimal recovery of assets from crimes.

“As a result, the state often loses in recovering the economic losses caused by criminal acts, especially corruption and large-scale financial crimes. The state is not enough to just imprison the perpetrators. The essence of eradicating economic crimes is to cut off the profits obtained from the crime itself,” said Hardjuno, Sunday, January 18.

According to him, the delay in discussing and approving the Asset Confiscation Bill for years, provides room for perpetrators of crimes to disguise, move, and even secure the proceeds of crime, both domestically and abroad.

In addition, this delay actually weakens the position of the state in the process of law enforcement, considering that the confiscation of assets must be placed as the core part of the criminal law system, not just an additional instrument.

“Without an effective confiscation mechanism, prison sentences are considered not to have an adequate deterrent effect. If someone serves a sentence, but his family still enjoys the fruits of crime, then substantive justice never really happens,” he explained.

However, Hardjuno emphasized that the discussion of the Asset Confiscation Bill must still uphold the principle of legal prudence and the protection of citizens’ rights.

He gave an example, every expropriation process must be under the supervision of the court, open the room for objections and legal efforts, and avoid abuse of authority by law enforcement officers.

“We support the mechanism of seizure of assets without a criminal conviction in certain conditions, provided that the legal arrangements are strict and transparent. What must be protected is the rights of legitimate citizens, not the proceeds of crime,” he said.

Hardjuno emphasized that the discussion of this bill would be a test for the DPR in showing its partisanship in the public interest.

The attitude of the DPR faction or members towards the substance of the Asset Confiscation Bill, will be recorded by the people as an indicator of the commitment to eradicating corruption.

Therefore, he hopes that the discussion of the Asset Confiscation Bill will not drag on and will not weaken in substance. Where, the clarity of political attitudes and consistency of discussion will determine whether the regulation is able to become an effective tool for the state in protecting public interests and state finances.

Previously, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sari Yuliati, chaired a meeting to discuss the Asset Confiscation Bill, Thursday, January 15, 2026.

According to him, the Asset Confiscation Bill aims to maximize law enforcement against various criminal acts and strengthen efforts to eradicate crime, especially those motivated by financial gain.

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