Sahroni Rejects KPK Proposal to Seize Officials’ Undeclared Assets

Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission III Ahmad Sahroni has rejected a proposal by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to allow the seizure of officials’ assets that are not declared in their State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN).

Sahroni said asset confiscation without clear grounds could violate human rights. In his view, assets should only be seized on a legal basis or following proof of a criminal offence.

“Taking assets without clear grounds violates human rights. There still has to be proof of an offence,” Sahroni said when contacted on Tuesday (27 October).

Even so, the NasDem Party politician called for strict sanctions against state officials who fail to report their wealth properly.

Sahroni said the KPK must ensure that all public officials submit wealth reports, as the LHKPN is a form of transparency and accountability in public office.

“They should start by ensuring reports are submitted properly, because KPK data still shows that many public officials file late or have yet to report,” he said.

Sahroni said the Asset Forfeiture Bill is currently undergoing consultations to gather public input at House Commission III. He said it contains various proposals for regulating asset-forfeiture mechanisms, including through criminal court judgments.

He said the future Asset Forfeiture Law must uphold the presumption of innocence so that it does not become a tool of power used to abuse authority.

“The main focus must remain on upholding the presumption of innocence, so that the fight against corruption can be firm while respecting people’s rights and ensuring the law is not used as a tool for abuse of power,” he said.

KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak had earlier proposed that the Asset Forfeiture Bill include provisions for seizing assets or wealth belonging to officials who fail to submit LHKPN reports.

He said that if such a provision were included in the bill, state officials would report their wealth accurately.

“If this kind of provision is included in the Asset Forfeiture Law, state officials will not dare to submit inaccurate LHKPN reports. They will certainly report their wealth correctly,” he said.