DEPUTY Chairman of the DPR RI Legislative Body (Baleg) Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung was surprised by the use of diction in the title of the Draft Law (RUU) on Asset Confiscation which uses confiscation, not recovery.
Doli conveyed this during a plenary meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the context of preparing the 2025-2029 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) and the 2025 Priority Prolegnas.
“The asset confiscation law, is the diction of confiscation good for this country? If we meet people being confiscated or confiscated every day, we think it is good or not,” said Doli in the Baleg Meeting Room, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, 31 October 2024.
Doli admitted that he read the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which is Indonesia’s commitment to prevent and eradicate corruption. According to Doli, it is written stolen asset recovery which means recovering assets.
“So why do we choose the word expropriation rather than recovery as stated in UNCAC?” Dolly asked.
He invited the public to provide input to the DPR. Especially the use of the diction of confiscation or recovery.
“So, for those who are proposing confiscation of assets, let us give you input, based on the title alone, is it still necessary or not to use confiscation? Something like that,” said Doli.
He emphasized that the DPR RI Baleg was actually discussing whether or not the Asset Confiscation Bill should be included in the national legislative program. They have not yet made a decision.
“But the bottom line is that in the big title, we all have a commitment to eradicate corruption in Indonesia,” he stressed.
He also reminded that the presence of the Asset Confiscation Bill requires in-depth study. Especially with regard to reverse evidence in case evidence.
“Not to mention later we will go into whether it is compatible with our continental European political school, for example, whose derivatives require reverse proof and so on,” said Doli. (M-4)
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**Interview with Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung: Concerns Over Asset Confiscation Bill Diction**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung. As the Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI Legislative Body, you recently expressed concerns about the terminology used in the proposed Asset Confiscation Bill. Could you elaborate on why the choice of the word “confiscation” raised eyebrows?
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** Thank you for having me. Yes, during a recent plenary meeting, I was taken aback by the term “confiscation” rather than “recovery” in the bill’s title. The word “confiscation” carries a negative connotation and could lead to public distress. People generally associate it with loss and injustice, whereas “recovery” suggests a more positive approach towards returning assets to their rightful owners.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant distinction. How does this choice of wording potentially impact the public’s perception of the law?
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** Using “confiscation” could foster distrust among citizens, as it may imply that the law is punitive rather than restorative. If we frame it as recovery, it positions the legislation to be more about justice and fairness, which aligns better with our commitment to uphold human rights and due process.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the context of preparing the National Legislation Program for 2025-2029. How does the Asset Confiscation Bill fit into the larger legislative agenda?
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** The Asset Confiscation Bill is intended to strengthen our efforts against corruption. However, it’s crucial that it reflects our values and does not alienate the very citizens we aim to protect. The legislative agenda must prioritize laws that foster trust and respect within society.
**Interviewer:** Some have pointed out that this bill is tied to Indonesia’s commitment to the UN Convention Against Corruption. How do you balance international obligations with local sentiments?
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** It’s a delicate balance. While we must honor our international commitments, it’s equally important that the laws we enact resonate with our citizens’ values. We need to ensure that our approach is transparent and seeks to engage the public in dialogue to avoid any misinterpretation of our intentions.
**Interviewer:** what message do you hope to convey to your colleagues and the public regarding the Asset Confiscation Bill?
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** I urge my colleagues in the legislature to reconsider the language used in this bill. We should strive for terms that promote trust and collaboration, not fear. Our legislative actions should embody the principles of justice and recovery so that the public feels secured and supported by their government. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Tandjung, for sharing your insights with us today. We appreciate your commitment to clear communication and justice in legislative processes.
**Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung:** Thank you for having me.
