August 7, 2025 | 09:54 am
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is scrutinizing the freezing of millions of dormant bank accounts by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). Therefore, the commission is conducting an analysis of the impact of the bank account freezing on human rights. "Komnas HAM has agreed to monitor the investigation related to the freezing of these accounts," said the Chairman of Komnas HAM, Anis Hidayah, when approached in the Cikini area, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
According to Anis, the commission will analyze several aspects related to the alleged freezing of dormant accounts, including PPATK's authority as the freezers, freezing procedures and mechanisms, and its impact on the human rights of citizens. For this purpose, they will summon several stakeholders for questioning, including PPATK, to delve into the freezing of bank accounts thoroughly.
The commission stated that so far, no citizens have reported the impact of the freezing of these accounts. However, they believe that unilaterally freezing citizens' accounts without prior notification and specific allegations of criminal acts potentially violates human rights.
Komnas HAM Commissioner Abdul Haris Semendawai stated that based on Law Number 8 of 2010 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering Crimes, account freezing can only be carried out for accounts suspected of being used for money laundering, terrorism, or other crimes. "Meanwhile, if we hear PPATK's explanation, the action was taken in the context of preventing online gambling. This means that these accounts are not directly related to those criminal acts," said Semendawai.
He explained that bank accounts are a form of citizens' private property, and therefore fall under the category of property rights, which are part of human rights. Freezing private accounts restricts the owners from freely using their wealth. This condition can impact the hindrance of fulfilling their rights as other citizens. "There are stories of people who cannot afford medical treatment and school fees because of this freezing," he said.
PPATK previously found that many dormant bank accounts were being abused and became targets of criminal acts. After receiving data on dormant bank accounts from banks in February 2025, the institution began temporary freezing on May 15, 2025.
The freezing of accounts has been criticized by various parties. Economist Celios Nailul Huda stated that this policy violates consumer rights. "Freezing or closure should require the account owners' consent. Without consumer consent, PPATK is engaging in illegal activities," he said.
Coordinator of the PPATK Public Relations Sub-Group M Natsir Kongah stated that 30 million accounts have been reactivated. Natsir explained that the unblocking has been carried out over the last three months. This period is calculated from the date of the freezing.
Ilona Estherina contributed to this article.
Editor's Choice: PPATK Claims Blocking Dormant Bank Accounts Suppresses Online Gambling Transactions
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