Surya Paloh Describes Asset Forfeiture Bill as Unique, Warns of Potential Controversy
NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh has described the Asset Forfeiture Bill as ‘unique’. According to him, while the bill is considered important, it also tends to trigger controversy.
“If I say this asset forfeiture is unique, right? It is very unique in my view. Some are even pushing it very hard, as if it is the only thing that matters. However, if this alone can cause controversy, for what purpose? The most important thing we must guard is that the nation’s energy is not wasted on controversy for the sake of controversy,” Surya Paloh told reporters at NasDem Tower, Gondangdia, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (19/09/2026).
However, he admitted that he has no issue with the discussion of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. For him, every proposed bill must be based on an awareness of the rights and obligations of every citizen.
“The Asset Forfeiture Bill? If the public truly considers it urgent, then please proceed. But I want to send one signal to you all: build our public awareness. To be honest, we are not yet capable of aligning the rights and obligations that they hold as members of this nation,” he concluded.
The Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Habiburokhman, previously emphasised that the Asset Forfeiture Bill must not be used arbitrarily. Habiburokhman requested that the regulation should not become a tool of power to extort the public or criminalise political opponents.
“In recent days, we have received a lot of input regarding the implementation of the Asset Forfeiture Law, noting that it is not just intended for corruption crimes,” Habiburokhman told reporters on Monday (31/08/2026).
Habiburokhman stated that several parties are concerned that ordinary citizens could be subject to asset forfeiture even if they do not hold official positions. One such party is the former Governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), who expressed concerns regarding the bill.
“Many parties are becoming worried that ordinary people could also be affected by asset forfeiture even without being officials. Even Basuki Tjahaja Purnama expressed concern that the Asset Forfeiture Law could be used as a tool to meet the state budget by seizing the assets of citizens who have issues with taxes,” he said.
Habiburokhman emphasised that the implementation of the regulation must continue to prioritise the principle of equality before the law. According to him, anyone who commits a legal violation must face sanctions, regardless of their background or position.
“We must certainly emphasise that our constitution upholds the principle of equality before the law; whoever commits a legal violation must receive sanctions, regardless of their background or position,” he explained.