KPK: Asset Forfeiture Law Will Accelerate Corruption Eradication

The Director of Gratification and Public Services at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Arif Waluyo, stated that the Asset Forfeiture Bill currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives (DPR) could significantly accelerate anti-corruption efforts. “At a minimum, if this bill is enacted, it will certainly accelerate the fight against corruption for the better,” Arif said during a gratification control socialisation event at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections in Jakarta on Tuesday. He argued that the regulation would represent a legal revolution in Indonesia’s fight against corruption, citing the case of former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah as an example. One of the tools used by the KPK to uncover criminal acts of corruption is the State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN). However, these reports are often not submitted transparently by the officials. In some cases, investigators must verify whether the reported LHKPN is accurate and matches the official’s actual assets. Some officials simply file a report without updating it, even as their wealth increases. “The reality is, when their assets increase, they should report it. Don’t just leave it unreported,” he said. “We always push for this, because that is the tool. Just imagine if the LHKPN was properly implemented now. There are cases where the 2024 report is identical to the 2025 report.” Separately, political researcher Bawono Kumoro from Indikator Politik Indonesia confirmed that discussions on the Asset Forfeiture Bill are ongoing between House Commission III and the government. He assessed that the timing of the deliberation is ideal as it coincides with the enactment of the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). House Commission III plans to continue the bill’s deliberation despite the upcoming recess period. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has also permitted the commission to hold meetings during the recess. The Asset Forfeiture Bill is expected to become an effective instrument to take action against corruptors without neglecting the principle of presumption of innocence.