Pati Residents Protest in Jakarta for Asset Forfeiture and Anti Graft Measures

Hundreds of residents from Pati, Central Java, gathered at the Senayan Legislative Complex in Jakarta on Thursday to demand the swift passage of an asset forfeiture bill and the death penalty for corrupt officials. The United Pati People’s Alliance (AMPB) coordinated the rally, with members arriving in Jakarta via buses starting as early as August 21. The asset forfeiture bill, first proposed in 2008, would allow the state to confiscate assets suspected of being proceeds of a crime before a criminal conviction.

AMPB coordinator Supriyono stated that the group supports the Prabowo-Gibran administration and is not calling for their resignation. Some protesters also demanded lower prices for basic necessities. In response to the demonstrations, the Jakarta Metro Police deployed 4,274 personnel to secure various sites, including the Parliament building and Monas. Authorities implemented traffic diversions on Jl. Gatot Subroto to manage the crowds.

Reports indicate that the movement received public support, with passing motorists donating food and drinks to the AMPB post on Wednesday night. However, the group faced obstacles, including reports that police stopped several buses traveling to the capital and that a bank account belonging to Supriyono was temporarily blocked by Bank Mandiri. The House of Representatives previously met with some Pati residents on Monday to assure them the draft law would be passed by December.