DPR Meeting: Bareskrim Proposes Inclusion of Narcotics Proceeds Asset Forfeiture in Narcotics Bill

Director of Narcotics Criminal Acts (Dirtipid) at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, has proposed that the forfeiture of assets derived from narcotics cases be regulated in the draft Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill. He stated that assets from drug trafficking harm the state and society. “Polri emphasises the importance of provisions regarding the forfeiture of assets from narcotics criminal acts. The money circulating from narcotics crimes causes losses to state finances and society, both domestically and internationally,” said Brigadier General Eko during a working meeting with DPR Commission III on the draft Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill, at the DPR Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Eko said that international cooperation is needed to pursue money from drug trafficking in Indonesia that is hidden abroad. He noted that drug lords often commit money laundering offences to cover up the proceeds of their illegal activities. “Secondly, if the money circulates domestically, law enforcement officials can act to forfeit assets. This issue is closely linked to money laundering offences, as drug lords attempt to disguise the origin of the funds to make them appear legitimate,” said Eko. “Therefore, the much-needed legal instrument is asset forfeiture through money laundering criminal laws,” he added. Polri proposes that the proceeds from narcotics seizures be included in the draft Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill. These regulations could also be used for prevention and eradication of drugs in the future. “Thus, Polri proposes that money and assets seized from narcotics crimes, processed through the Money Laundering Criminal Act, be standardised in the new Narcotics and Psychotropics Act for use in programmes to prevent, eradicate, abuse, and illicit trafficking of narcotics,” he stated.