Asset Seizure Bill: Professionals Urge Firm Stance Against Crime, Not Threat to Citizens

Regarding the Asset Seizure Bill (RUU Perampasan Aset) currently under deliberation in Indonesia, the Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi) has called for strict revisions to ensure the bill does not pose undue threats to public life. Peradi emphasizes that the bill should be effective in deterring crime, its primary objective, without unjustly infringing upon the rights and assets of ordinary citizens. Peradi's professionals are concerned that ambiguous wording or excessively broad powers within the bill could lead to abuses of power or unintended pressure on the public. Their recommendations focus on clarifying the criminal acts subject to asset seizure, guaranteeing due process in evidence collection, and ensuring the right to appeal seizure decisions. While the bill aims to confiscate illicit gains from serious crimes such as corruption and organized crime, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on the property rights of the general public depending on its implementation. Therefore, the input from professional bodies like Peradi is considered crucial in ensuring the bill's fairness and effectiveness.