Indonesia protesters demand death penalty for corruption
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds marched on parliament demanding passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill.
- Protesters also demanded the death penalty for people convicted of corruption.
- Lawmakers reportedly committed to completing the long-delayed bill by December 15.
Hundreds marched on parliament demanding action on a long-delayed asset forfeiture bill and tougher punishment for people convicted of graft.
Hundreds of Indonesians took to the streets of Jakarta on Thursday, demanding lawmakers move forward with a long-delayed bill aimed at seizing assets linked to alleged corruption.
Protesters also called for the death penalty for people convicted of graft as anti-corruption anger spilled onto the streets around parliament.
Demonstrators marched towards Parliament carrying Indonesian flags and banners calling on lawmakers to "pass the asset confiscation bill" and "fight injustice".
The protest later intensified at the gates of parliament, where some demonstrators burned banners and placards, threw stones and climbed the gates. Police carrying riot shields moved in before the crowd began to disperse.
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According to reports, Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad met representatives of AMPB and signed a commitment to complete the Asset Forfeiture Bill by December 15.
Parliamentary leaders also reportedly agreed to resign as lawmakers if the deadline is missed.
The demonstration follows years of delays surrounding Indonesia's Asset Forfeiture Bill. The legislation was first submitted to Parliament in May 2023 but was not passed before the lawmakers' term ended in 2024.
The bill has since returned to the legislative agenda. Supporters argue that it would strengthen the ability of authorities to seize assets linked to corruption and other serious crimes.
Indonesia's government says existing anti-corruption and criminal laws already allow the death penalty in certain circumstances, although any sentence would ultimately be decided by the courts.
AMPB's campaign began in Pati, Central Java, where mass protests erupted in 2025 over plans to increase land and building taxes by up to 250 per cent.
The movement initially called for the removal of Regent Sudewo, who was later arrested in a separate corruption case. It subsequently developed into a broader campaign against corruption and illicit wealth.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
