Jakarta. The House of Representatives (DPR) has placed the Asset Forfeiture Bill among its top legislative priorities for 2025–2026, signaling renewed momentum on a measure long stalled in parliament.

Deputy Chairman of the House’s Legislation Body (Baleg), Sturman Panjaitan, said lawmakers aim to finalize deliberations on the bill within this year. If not, the process will continue into 2026.

“We hope, and the government also hopes, that this bill can be completed soon. Collaboration is key to ensure its passage,” Sturman told reporters on Friday.

The Asset Forfeiture Bill has been in circulation since it was first proposed in 2012, and most recently reintroduced through Presidential Letter No. R-22/Pres/05/2023 by President Joko Widodo. Its progress, however, has repeatedly stalled.

Observers note the law is intended to close legal gaps in asset recovery, particularly in cases where perpetrators cannot be prosecuted, such as when they flee or pass away, by introducing non-conviction-based confiscation. The government has framed the bill as a proactive tool to recover state losses from corruption and money laundering, while critics have warned about the need for clear safeguards to avoid multiple interpretations that could affect third parties.

By reinstating the bill in the 2025 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas), the House underscores its commitment to strengthening the legal framework for asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts.

Aside from the asset forfeiture legislation, Baleg also listed 66 other bills in the priority program, including the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), which had been targeted for completion in August this year.

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