Corruption as a Human Rights Violation: The Urgency of Asset Forfeiture Mechanisms for Social Loss Recovery

Abdul Haris Semendawai; Sukamto Kusnadi

doi:10.59261/jlsp.v4i4.204

Authors

Abdul Haris Semendawai Universitas Islam As-Syafi'iyah
Sukamto Kusnadi Universitas Islam As-Syafi'iyah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/jlsp.v4i4.204

Keywords:

Corruption, Human Rights Violations, Asset Grabbing, Social Loss Recovery

Abstract

Background: Corruption is a systemic crime that harms state finances and may result in structural human rights violations by disrupting access to education, health care, social welfare, and development. Asset forfeiture is therefore important for recovering public resources and restoring the state’s capacity to provide public services.

Objective: This study examines the relationship between corruption, human rights, and the urgency of asset forfeiture by tracing the development of Indonesia’s anti-corruption legal framework, particularly Law No. 31 of 1999 jo. Law No. 20 of 2001 and the establishment of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Methods: A normative juridical approach and conceptual analysis were used to examine relevant legal regulations, institutional developments, and conceptual frameworks concerning anti-corruption enforcement and asset recovery.

Results: The analysis indicates that corruption may constitute a human rights violation because it deprives communities of socioeconomic rights and, in certain circumstances, may threaten the right to life. Asset forfeiture also has a restorative dimension by enabling the recovery and reuse of public resources for social development. The literature indicates that asset recovery can support public services, reduce inequality, restore public trust, and promote development. These findings support the relevance of non-conviction-based (NCB) asset forfeiture mechanisms.

Conclusion: Strengthening the legal framework for asset forfeiture, including the Asset Forfeiture Bill and improved governance of confiscated assets, is essential for recovering social losses, protecting human rights, and strengthening Indonesia’s anti-corruption system.

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