Komnas HAM proposes prioritising corruption assets for victim recovery

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has proposed that the management of assets resulting from criminal acts of corruption be prioritised for the restoration of victims’ rights, and not solely oriented towards the recovery of state losses. Komnas HAM considers that this effort needs to be supported by the establishment of an independent, transparent, and accountable asset management institution, so that the proceeds from asset recovery can be utilised to fulfil the rights of communities affected by corruption.

Komnas HAM member Uli Parulian Sihombing, during the launch of a study titled ‘Corruption and the Restoration of Human Rights: Encouraging a Human Rights-Based Approach in Eradicating Corruption’ in Jakarta on Tuesday, stated that the study found that the asset recovery mechanism in Indonesia has not yet touched upon the restoration of the rights of communities affected by corruption. ‘Asset recovery in Indonesia has not been able to touch the essence of human rights restoration,’ he said.

Komnas HAM noted that seized and confiscated corruption assets are currently managed sectorally by the police, the prosecutor’s office, and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Based on field studies in Bangka Belitung and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Komnas HAM also found that communities affected by corruption, such as victims of environmental damage due to alleged tin mining corruption, have not received any benefits from the proceeds of asset recovery or compensation mechanisms.

‘Komnas HAM sees the need for an independent body to manage assets from criminal acts of corruption. This management must be professional, transparent, and accountable, as well as oriented towards the collective fulfilment and accommodation of victims,’ Uli said. Komnas HAM is also pushing for the proceeds from the auction of seized assets and Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) from corruption cases to be allocated for victim compensation, the recovery of affected communities, and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement officials. Furthermore, Komnas HAM has requested that the KPK, the police, the prosecutor’s office, the Supreme Court, the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), and the Ministry of Finance strengthen coordination so that the governance of corruption assets not only recovers state losses but also fulfils the rights of communities who are victims of corruption.