By: Adrian Pratama )*
The Asset Confiscation Bill (RUU) has once again occupied a prominent position on the national political agenda following the massive wave of demonstrations at the end of August 2025. One of the main points of the 17+8 demands voiced by the public was the acceleration of deliberations on the bill, which had not been fully completed since 2009. This situation has put pressure and renewed momentum on the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to demonstrate their seriousness in upholding their commitment to eradicating corruption.
The government is not delaying the opportunity to respond to the people’s aspirations. President Prabowo Subianto has given firm instructions for the DPR to immediately deliberate on the bill. The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that the government is fully prepared to enter the deliberation process at any time. He explained that once the draft has been submitted by the DPR to the President, the head of state will immediately appoint the relevant minister to represent the government. This affirmation demonstrates that the executive branch does not want any impression of delay or hesitation.
Yusril also reminded that discussions on the Asset Confiscation Bill had actually been proposed during the previous administration. At that time, the government had appointed several ministers to represent them in the deliberations, but the lengthy process had not yet reached the final stage. Now, under President Prabowo’s direct direction, he emphasized that the government is serious about ensuring this regulation is fully completed within the near future. He even underscored his hope that the bill would be completed next year, as concrete proof that the government’s promises to the people are being fulfilled.
Similarly, Minister of Law Supratman, Andi Agtas, emphasized that the current political situation is much more conducive. He stated that the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) now share a common political commitment. For him, this understanding between the executive and legislative branches is a key factor in expediting the process. He emphasized that the Asset Confiscation Bill’s status as a DPR initiative is a distinct advantage. This position will allow for smoother deliberations because the government has already prepared a complete and ready-to-use draft.
Supratman added that expediting deliberations will not require a long wait, although other regulations, such as the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) Bill, are also in the waiting list for deliberation. According to him, once the initial decision-making regarding the Criminal Procedure Code Bill is complete, the Asset Forfeiture Bill can immediately enter the finalization stage. He expressed confidence that the target of completion within 2025 is realistic, provided all parties maintain the consistency of the established political commitment.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Legislative Body, Bob Hasan, confirmed this view. He stated that the Asset Forfeiture Bill has officially been included in the 2025 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). With this bill’s inclusion on the priority agenda, there is no longer any reason to delay deliberations. He also emphasized that its status as a DPR initiative eliminates room for debate at the government level, allowing discussions to focus on substance to quickly produce comprehensive legislation.
Bob also emphasized that the target for completion of this bill is 2025. He expressed confidence that all parties, both the government and the DPR, share the same intention to ensure this regulation is finalized. However, he emphasized the importance of continuing to involve the public in the legislative process. For him, meaningful public participation will provide stronger legitimacy and ensure that this bill truly addresses the needs of the people.
The public’s push for the immediate passage of this bill cannot be ignored. The wave of demonstrations at the end of August demonstrated the strength of public aspirations. The demonstrators demanded that the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) demonstrate their seriousness in eradicating corruption by setting a one-year deadline. They wanted a more effective legal instrument so that assets obtained from criminal activity could be confiscated without having to go through a lengthy and complicated criminal process.
This demand aligns with the government’s desire to establish a stronger legal system. Through this regulation, the state would have a clear legal basis for confiscating assets, while simultaneously restricting the freedom of corruption. Furthermore, the dynamics of the discussions also demonstrated civil society’s concern that the implementation of this regulation prioritizes the protection of citizens’ rights. This perspective demonstrates a balance: a strong determination to eradicate corruption, but also an awareness of the importance of upholding the principle of justice.
The consistent commitment from the government, the support of the DPR, and public pressure demonstrate that accelerating deliberations on the Asset Confiscation Bill is not only a matter of time, but also a matter of time.Yes, it’s a short-term political agenda. More than that, this regulation will be a significant milestone in legal reform and corruption eradication in Indonesia. The government positions this bill as part of a major promise to fulfill the demands of the 17+8 program, as well as a concrete effort to build public trust.
With the steps now being taken, public optimism is growing. The bill’s inclusion in the priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), the President’s direct direction to the House of Representatives (DPR), and the government’s technical readiness strongly signal that deliberations will not drag on any longer. The target completion date of 2025 is a concrete symbol that the government’s promise is not merely rhetoric, but a historic commitment to addressing the people’s demands with concrete action.
)* Public Policy Observer
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