VP Gibran urges swift passage of Asset Forfeiture Bill

“Corruptors must understand that corruption can lead not only to prison but also the state taking back all stolen assets,” Gibran said Saturday.

Indonesia Corruption Watch data for 2013-2022 showed potential state losses from corruption reached Rp238 trillion (about US$13.24 billion), he said.

Attorney General’s Office data showed potential state losses from corruption reached Rp310 trillion (about US$17.25 billion) in 2024, with Rp1.6 trillion (about US$89 million) recovered.

Gibran said asset recovery remained low, with more than 90 percent of assets disappearing and continuing to benefit perpetrators and their relatives.

The situation has been worsened by increasingly organized, cross-border crimes that use advanced technology for embezzlement and money laundering, he said.

If assets can be proven to originate directly or indirectly from crimes, including corruption, drug trafficking, illegal mining, illegal fishing, illegal logging, online gambling or human trafficking, the state can seize them.

Gibran said the Asset Forfeiture Bill is a crucial step toward implementing the 2003 UN Convention against Corruption.

The bill includes non-conviction-based asset forfeiture, which can help recover state assets when suspects have died or fled abroad.

To address concerns about abuse of power and violations of the presumption of innocence, Gibran urged transparent deliberations involving legal practitioners and other professionals.

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Translator: Aditya, Kenzu