TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Jokowi redeems Metallica double-LP set from KPK
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has redeemed a deluxe box set of Metallica’s album, Master of Puppets to avoid gratuity, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) spokesperson, Febri Diyansyah, said.
Change Size
Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen gifts President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo with Metallica’s 'Master of Puppets' double-vinyl boxed set on Nov. 28, 2017 during a state visit to Bogor Palace. (Antara/Rosa Panggabean)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has redeemed a limited-edition boxed set of Metallica’s Master of Puppets to avoid a conflict of interest, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) spokesperson Febri Diyansyah has said.
Jokowi, widely known to be a metalhead, received the double-vinyl album as a gift from Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Nov. 28, 2017 during a state visit.
The President later reported the gift to the KPK, which declared the album as part of the state inventory on Jan. 31, 2018. But Jokowi decided to pay around Rp 11 million (US$808.5) to redeem the album.
Master of Puppets is considered Metallica's seminal album, selling over 10 million copies around the world and becoming the first metal album to be listed in the US Library of Congress.
Febri said on Wednesday that Jokowi's action could set an example for other government officials when receiving gifts from their foreign counterparts.
“This is not about the money paid, but consistent awareness of corruption from even the smallest matter,” he said.
The Metallica album was not the first state gift the President has received in connection with his reputation as a heavy metal fan. In 2013, the President received a guitar signed by Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo from the promoter of the band’s Jakarta concert. Jokowi reported the gift and handed over the bass guitar to the KPK. (gis/swd)
Read also: Album Review: 'Master of Puppets: Remastered' by Metallica
