The draft Asset Confiscation Bill is already in the DPR. But unfortunately, the discussion process is still running in place. Kaoem Telapak collaborates with civil society organizations to encourage discussing this draft regulation.
Monday, August 9 2023, Kaoem Telapak, together with Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Themis Indonesia, and Auriga Nusantara, held a podcast entitled, The Road Asset Confiscation Bill in Place: What’s Behind the Attitude of the DPR?
Lalola Easter from ICW reveals the history of this bill. She said that the first draft bill appeared in 2008. But unfortunately, so far, there has been no progress. On May 4, 2023, the Government sent a letter to the DPR to discuss this bill. However, as of August 2023, no significant development has yet to be. According to Lalola, this bill can strengthen initiatives to eradicate corruption. “Now the ball is in the DPR,” Lalola said.
Ibnu Syamsu from Themis Indonesia added that since the Government gave the President’s letter, the DPR has held six plenary sessions but has yet to discuss the Asset Confiscation Bill. Ibnu also wondered whether there was a political compromise behind all of this. Then he recounted an interesting incident when Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Human Rights, visited the DPR to discuss this issue. However, one DPR member said that if Mahfud MD wants to achieve that, he must talk to all party leaders. Seeing this, Ibnu called on the public to participate in putting pressure on the DPR. “Compared to the Omibus Law Bill, Health Omnibus Law, and Minerba Law, the process is swift,” said Ibnu.
Meanwhile, Fauziah from Auriga admitted that she welcomed the Asset Confiscation Bill, although with several notes. The question is about who will manage these confiscated assets and whether the prosecutor or a new body is needed to focus on addressing this. Then how about sociological and environmental recovery? Then what are the standard guidelines for asset confiscation?
Anang Sidik, Campaigner for Kaoem Telapak, who also participated in the discussion, explained the big picture of the Asset Confiscation Bill. He said that the elections were just a few months away. Then in November, we entered the campaign period. According to Anang, this is the right time for the DPR to pass this bill. “This could also be Jokowi’s legacy at the end of his term,” said Anang.
Anang also said that losses arising from environmental crimes could reach 20 trillion rupiahs. According to him, environmental crime is a malaise because the perpetrators do not think about the enormous impact that will occur, even if the effects can be intergenerational. “This is a critical mass. This bill is urgent,” he said.
Anang Sidik, Campaigner of Kaoem Telapak
Then, Anang also revealed that the DPR’s performance in passing the new regulation could be better. One of the functions of the DPR is legislation, which means that it must produce pro-people rules. Anang also recounted the fate of the Indigenous Peoples Bill, which until now has yet to be passed even though it has been in the national legislation program for years.
In this discussion, Anang reminded people that Jokowi’s Government is associated with developmentalism. Supposedly, the development carried out must be sustainable. He also added that this bill would encourage growth in Indonesia, “What hinders incoming investment is corruption. That’s the biggest barrier,” he said.
