DPR Commission III: Asset Forfeiture Bill Must Target Involved Third Parties

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Ahmad Sahroni, believes that the Draft Law (RUU) on Asset Forfeiture must strictly take action against third, fourth, or subsequent parties involved in the flow of corruption-related criminal funds.

According to him, any party that is consciously involved in the flow of criminal funds must be apprehended, and their assets must be seized first to prevent any manipulation. Following this, he noted, the final decision will rest with the court.

“The assets must be seized first. Then, the court will decide on their status. This is crucial to avoid any attempts to manipulate the proceeds of crime and money laundering,” said Sahpend Sahroni during a meeting with experts regarding the Asset Forfeiture Bill at the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Monday.

Furthermore, he expressed his desire for the Asset Forfeiture Bill to become a firm and impartial primary instrument in the fight against corruption. If evidence shows that third parties are involved, he believes law enforcement must act immediately.

He stated that this is necessary so that all parties understand that assisting, receiving, and laundering the proceeds of crime carries heavy legal consequences.

“In doing so, the recovery of state losses can be truly maximised, while simultaneously providing us with a preventative aspect,” said Sahroni.

On Monday, Commission III of the DPR RI held a public hearing (RDPU) to gather input on the Asset Forfeiture Bill from experts, including Dr. M. Fatahilah Akbar from the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Dr. Taufik Rahman from the Faculty of Law, Airlangga University.