Public Urged to Follow Asset Confiscation Bill Debate in Parliament

Legal observer Hardjuno Wiwoho is calling on the public to ignore misleading information circulating online that suggests parliament has rejected the Asset Confiscation Bill. He warns that such narratives distract from the bill's substantive issues.

Wiwoho clarified that the bill remains in the drafting and harmonization stages within the House of Representatives' Commission III. He noted that even during recess, the commission has been actively collecting feedback from law enforcement and stakeholders across different regions to refine the bill's content.

"Therefore, public energy should not be spent debating incorrect information," Wiwoho stated. "What is far more important is ensuring the Asset Confiscation Bill proceeds openly and accountably, resulting in a regulation that is truly effective in recovering assets from criminal acts."

He emphasized that the commission's careful approach to aligning the bill with existing criminal codes, due process principles, human rights, and the protection of good-faith third parties is crucial for creating a robust and fair regulation. Wiwoho's views align with his doctoral research, which concluded that asset confiscation without a criminal conviction should be a distinct legal regime, not merely an add-on to existing criminal law. He stressed that while strengthening the state's ability to pursue proceeds of crime, particularly from corruption and economic offenses, is vital, this must be balanced with legal certainty.