DPR: Asset Forfeiture Bill Must be Discussed Carefully

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sari Yuliati, emphasized that the discussion of the Asset Forfeiture Bill must be conducted carefully. It is to ensure that the regulation does not become a tool of power to suppress the public.

Sari made the statement while receiving representatives of the Pati People's Communication Forum, together with Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR RI Andre Rosiade, at the Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, August 24, 2026.

During the meeting, representatives of the Pati community called on the DPR to immediately pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill, which they consider important for strengthening efforts to combat crime while providing legal certainty in law enforcement.

Responding to the demand, Sari explained that the Asset Forfeiture Bill is still being discussed by Commission III of the DPR RI. She said the commission is currently hearing various views and public input through Public Hearings (RDPU) as part of the meaningful participation process.

She emphasized that gathering public input is not intended to delay the passage of the bill, but rather to ensure that every provision has a strong legal basis and does not create new problems when implemented.

"So, perhaps it is not about delaying it, but rather about being more careful," Sari said.

According to her, caution is necessary because the Asset Forfeiture Bill concerns the state's authority to seize or forfeit assets linked to criminal offenses. Therefore, the regulation must be designed based on the principles of justice and balance to prevent the abuse of authority.

"We must ensure that once this law is enacted, it does not become a tool used by the ruling regime to suppress people," she said. Sari stressed that legislation produced by the DPR must place the public and those in power on an equal footing before the law. Therefore, the Asset Forfeiture Bill is expected to strengthen law enforcement without sacrificing people's rights.

"We have to create a law that treats the public and those in power equally," she said.

She added that public input is an important part of improving the bill. She also said once enacted, the regulation must genuinely benefit the public and not create problems in the future.

In addition to the Asset Forfeiture Bill, the Pati community also raised several local issues during the meeting, including legal certainty, regional stability, and efforts to strengthen the local economy. Sari assured that discussions on the Asset Forfeiture Bill would continue with the involvement of various stakeholders.

She expressed hope that public participation in the process would produce strong and fair regulations capable of addressing law enforcement needs while protecting the public.