Asset Forfeiture Bill Vulnerable to Becoming a Political Tool of Power
The Draft Law (RUU) on Asset Forfeiture has been urged not to be used as a political instrument by certain parties. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is being called upon to ensure that this regulation will not be misused in the future to pressure or eliminate political opponents.
The warning was delivered by senior legal practitioner and advocate, Juniver Girsang. Based on his experience in the legal world, he is concerned about the potential for abuse of authority if the rules within the Asset Forfeiture Bill are not formulated precisely.
“Do not let this become a new tool of ‘power’ to eliminate political opponents, deep down our hearts are the same,” Juniver said during a hearing with Commission III of the DPR RI at the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (3/8).
To prevent overlapping authority and abuse of power, Juniver highlighted the importance of clarity regarding the ministry or institution authorised to carry out forfeiture and asset management. He stressed that law enforcement officers conducting investigations should not simultaneously be given the authority to manage the seized assets.
“Do not let the Prosecutors’ Office investigate, prosecute, and then also manage the auction application. The same applies to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the police. So, there must be a committee, and our suggestion is that the body which investigates should not be the one that manages,” Juniver stated.
In addition to governance issues, the drafting of the Asset Forfeiture Bill is also advised to conduct an in-depth study on the effectiveness of implementing similar rules in other countries. According to Juniver, to date, no country has been proven to be fully successful in ratifying and implementing asset forfeiture rules ideally.
“I have not found a reference to date. Do not let us become a tool for developed countries to create a ratification that becomes a tool of pressure against us,” he asserted.