(Article 18 paragraph (3) of the Tipikor Law). These two provisions are loopholes that are
very easy for corruptors to circumvent not to return or pay replacement money.
Criminal money substitutes do not have substitution options such as criminal fines
that can be replaced by criminal confinement. The existence of this option is not an
opportunity for the convict to choose the crime to be served. However, the Attorney
General's Office has interpreted the formula as an option. This understanding is also
reflected in the internal regulations of the Attorney General's Office, namely the Attorney
General's Decree Number KEP-518/J.A/11/2001. In the decision, it is stated that one of the
stages of criminal execution of substitute money is to ask the convict whether or not he is
able to pay the substitute money. The phrase "asking whether the convict is able to pay the
replacement money" clearly indicates that the convict can choose to declare whether or not
he is able to pay the substitute money.
This option clearly transfers the meaning of a subsidiary that should be a substitute if
the principal crime does not occur, into an option. This situation was eventually exploited
by convicts who, with the support of the conditions and limitations of handling corruption
cases, easily claimed to have no property to pay the replacement money, and "chose"
substitute imprisonment as a more favorable option for them (Akbal & Umar, 2020). What's
more, there is a possibility that convicts will be released sooner through granting remissions
at certain times. If the criminal conviction of substitute money is considered an option, then
efforts to restore state finances as a goal of enforcing corruption crimes will not be achieved.
4. State Financial Return Solution as State Financial Recovery
For the effectiveness of State Financial Return as State Financial Recovery in the
context of law enforcement, eradicating corruption involves a number of steps that can be
taken as a form of completing state financial recovery. These include:
1. It is necessary to increase the capacity and competence of law enforcers involved in
eradicating criminal acts of corruption. They need to have in-depth knowledge of
corruption laws, financial investigations, and management of seized assets. By increasing
their capacity, law enforcement will be more effective in conducting investigations,
gathering evidence, and returning state finances.
2. It is important to ensure that law enforcement agencies involved in combating corruption
have adequate funding. This will enable them to carry out their duties and responsibilities
effectively, including conducting in-depth investigations, gathering solid evidence, and
filing a lawsuit for the return of state finances. Adequate funding can also be used to
improve infrastructure and technology needed in law enforcement processes.
3. Close and synergistic cooperation between law enforcement agencies, such as the police,
prosecutors, KPK, and financial institutions, is essential. They need to share information,
coordinate, and work together to identify, investigate, and recover state finances harmed
by corruption. This collaboration will strengthen law enforcement efforts and the return
of state finances.
4. Transparency and accountability in state financial management are key in eradicating
corruption and returning state finances. There needs to be clear and strict regulation on