"To further our corruption eradication mission, I endorse the Asset Confiscation Bill," the president told hundreds of thousands of workers assembled at the National Monument (Monas) square for International Workers' Day commemoration on Thursday.
Prabowo emphasized that there should be no leniency for corrupt officials who refuse to return embezzled funds.
"When they refuse to return the (corrupted) assets, let us confiscate them at once. Do you agree?" the president asked, receiving enthusiastic applause from the workers.
He expressed surprise at the occurrence of several protests supporting corruption suspects, calling such actions "complete nonsense."
Prabowo also cautioned workers against allowing themselves "to be paid for protesting in favor of corruption suspects."
The Asset Confiscation Bill is designed to enable the swift confiscation of assets acquired through criminal acts, including corruption, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
The bill ratification is one of the six demands raised by labor unions, including the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), during this year's Labor Day demonstration. Other demands include the passage of the Manpower Bill and the Domestic Workers Bill.
The workers further pushed for the elimination of the outsourcing system, the formation of a Layoff Task Force, and the realization of a living wage.
During his Labor Day address, the president agreed to the "immediate formation of the National Labour Welfare Council" as one of the instruments to address the workers' demands to eliminate the outsourcing system.
The council, composed of labor representatives, will be tasked with advising the president on improving laws and regulations that are seen as unfavorable to workers.
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Translator: Andi F/Genta Tenri, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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