JAKARTA, LEGAL LITERACY - The government is still awaiting directions from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the plan to grant amnesty to corruption perpetrators. The Minister of Law and Human Rights, Supratman Andi Agtas, emphasized that this process will not be carried out without strict supervision from related institutions, such as the DPR and the Supreme Court. Supratman explained that granting amnesty must go through the approval of the DPR, while clemency requires consideration from the Supreme Court. "Amnesty involves the DPR, while clemency must obtain consideration from the Supreme Court. All of these processes are strictly supervised," said Supratman in his press statement, Monday (23/12/2024).

Awaiting the President's Move

According to Supratman, the next step will be determined after further direction from the President. "We are still waiting for instructions from the President before taking concrete steps," he said. He also emphasized that the government remains committed to recovering state assets that have been corrupted, and ensuring that maximum punishment remains a priority. "Pardon does not mean freeing corruption perpetrators just like that. Our focus is on ensuring that state losses can be recovered to the maximum extent," added Supratman. In addition, Supratman explained that the authority to grant amicable fines to perpetrators of corruption is also in the hands of the Attorney General's Office, as regulated in Law Number 11 of 2021. This amicable fine allows for the settlement of cases out of court with the payment of a determined fine.

Criticism of the Amnesty Plan

However, this discourse has drawn sharp criticism from various parties. La Ode M Syarif, former Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), stated that granting amnesty to corruptors is very dangerous and does not have a strong legal basis. He argued that the return of state money cannot erase the malicious intent of the act of corruption. "Granting amnesty could become a gateway for new corruption, especially if the process is carried out secretly. This could open up space for negotiations between perpetrators and law enforcement officials," emphasized La Ode. La Ode also reminded that most of the corruption cases that have been uncovered are only a small part of the actual number of cases that occur. "The state money that is stolen will not be fully returned with a scheme like this," he said.

Public Concerns

This government step has also raised concerns that it could send the wrong signal to the public. Critics assess that amnesty for corruptors could be seen as a form of tolerance towards crimes that harm the state, thus weakening efforts to eradicate corruption. This plan is still being discussed in various circles, with the main focus on strict supervision and asset recovery as risk mitigation measures. The final decision rests with the President, who is expected to provide firm direction in the near future.