House Commission Chairman Worries Asset Seizure Bill Could Become Asset Robbery

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) is actively working on a long-stalled Asset Seizure Bill, aiming to provide a legal framework for recovering assets obtained through illicit means, particularly corruption. However, the process is fraught with concerns, notably voiced by Habiburokhman, the chairman of Commission III overseeing legal affairs.

Habiburokhman has articulated three primary concerns regarding the bill. Firstly, he questions the nomenclature "Asset Seizure" (RUU Perampasan Aset), noting that similar legislation elsewhere uses terms like "Asset Recovery." He expressed uncertainty about the origin and implications of the term "seizure" in the Indonesian context, suggesting it might carry negative connotations.

Secondly, and perhaps most critically, Habiburokhman fears the bill could be perverted into a tool for "asset robbery" by corrupt law enforcement officials. He stressed the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power, extortion, and misuse of the extensive authority the bill might grant. "If there are uncontrolled officials, abusing power, extorting, misusing their positions, and having very broad authority, I think it will create new problems," he warned, fearing the bill might become a "dirty broom" used to clean houses by unjustly seizing assets.

Thirdly, the commission chairman raised questions about the system for managing assets that are successfully seized. He pondered whether a special agency should be established to handle these assets or if a cross-departmental body would be more appropriate. The DPR aims to finalize the Asset Seizure Bill within the current year, a legislative effort that has been pending for decades. The input from various experts and practitioners during the recent public hearing is expected to shape the final draft.