Jakarta – The 17+8 People’s Demands demonstrations have raised crucial issues such as the rising cost of living, transparency, and structural injustice. One of the most powerful demands voiced by the public is: “Pass and enforce the Law on the Confiscation of Corruptors’ Assets.”
The government’s response now demonstrates that these demands are not merely empty criticism, but a concrete agenda. The Asset Confiscation Bill has emerged as a new hope in the fight against corruption, as well as a way to respond to the public’s aspirations, which have been expressed through mass protests and social media.
Criminal law expert Chairul Huda stated that this bill is crucial to ensure that corruptors’ assets that have caused losses to the state can be recovered through strict legal procedures that are not easily influenced by political interests. He emphasized that corruption is not simply about individuals taking state funds, but also about how corrupt assets can be “disguised” through various legal and administrative layers.
According to Chairul Huda, the Asset Confiscation Bill can be a criminal law instrument that bridges the gaps in procedural and material law that have been exploited by corruptors.
“Without strong legal instruments, corruptors’ assets can run away – this isn’t just a criminal matter, but a matter of restorative justice,” said Chairul.
From the government policy perspective, the Minister of Law (Menkum), Supratman Andi Agtas, emphasized the government’s commitment to pushing for the discussion of this bill to become a priority.
“We are ready to discuss the Asset Confiscation Bill. The government will share the academic text and draft materials with the House of Representatives (DPR) so that discussions can be conducted transparently and involve the public,” said Supratman.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said that the government is providing space for the DPR to make improvements.
“The DPR is welcome to revise or add to the draft Asset Confiscation Bill that the government has prepared. Once the DPR has submitted the draft, the government is certainly ready to discuss it together,” Yusril said.
The “Demand the Promise of 17+8 People’s Demands” protest in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) building emphasized that the public expects concrete action, not just promises. Students from the University of Indonesia (UI) and UIN Jakarta urged expedited deliberations on the Corruption Asset Confiscation Bill so it can be passed during this year’s session.
The Asset Confiscation Bill now represents both a symbolic and practical hope. It symbolizes that the demands of the 17+8 people have not been ignored, and serves as a practical tool for more effective corruption eradication. For the current government, this is a golden opportunity to demonstrate that reform, justice, and accountability are not mere slogans but concrete actions.
The government is confident that with strong commitment and collaboration between institutions, this bill will be a new milestone in building a corruption-free Indonesia, proving that the people’s voice is a unifying force and a driver of real change.