"A successful asset recovery may help the state retrieve its lost assets in a more optimal manner. This is much better than mere punishment," he observed at his office in Jakarta on Monday.
Agtas made the statement in response to similar remarks conveyed by President Prabowo Subianto regarding the possibility of the government pardoning graft convicts if they return stolen state assets.
The minister highlighted that in Indonesia, those convicted of corruption are asked to shell out compensation whose value is incomparable to the actual damage done to the country's economy.
"The reality is that we simply punish corruptors with the obligation to pay compensation and some other fines. In fact, the fines do not amount to the actual state losses," he pointed out.
He further said that the government will not rush to translate President Prabowo's statement into a policy.
"Note that Mr. President does not view his statements as easily practicable. Hence, please wait for our next steps once we receive instructions," he told reporters.
He then equated the asset recovery discourse with a similar mechanism called a peace fine implemented by the Attorney General's Office.
"However, we have not devised a derivative regulation (on the mechanism)," Agtas informed.
While delivering a speech before Indonesian students in Cairo, Egypt, on December 18, 2024, President Prabowo said that the government may give the corrupt an opportunity to make amends by fully covering state losses.
"To those having stolen from the nation, we may forgive you if you return what you stole. We will tell you how to return it," he said.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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