Indonesia's Draft Asset Seizure Law Sparks Abuse Concerns

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III is reviewing the draft law on asset seizure (RUU Perampasan Aset). Lawmakers have suggested renaming it to "Asset Recovery" to allay public worries that investigations could become overly aggressive by police, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) or prosecutors.

Student leader Charles Gilbert of the National Christian Student Executive Body warned that without clear legal safeguards, the bill could create opportunities for power abuse. He urged the DPR to embed due‑process guarantees, the presumption of innocence, protection of lawful property rights and robust judicial oversight. Gilbert also called for transparent drafting to ensure the legislation strengthens anti‑corruption efforts while protecting democratic rights.

The discussion reflects broader debates over how Indonesia should manage assets linked to criminal activity, drawing on models from the EU and the United States while seeking mechanisms to prevent misuse of authority.