“We have received reports that there were certain state officials who requested or received [free Asian Games] tickets. The KPK chairman has said that several state enterprises were required to buy tickets to be given to these officials. This is unethical,” he said on Tuesday.

Febri said state officials should have bought their own tickets if they wanted to watch the Asiad competitions. “[They should buy tickets] like regular citizens instead of misusing their positions,” he added.

Gratuities, as stipulated in Article 12 B of the 2001 Law on corruption, include money, goods, discounts, commission, interest-free loans or free travel tickets, accommodation facilities, tours or medical care, among other things.

The KPK has warned officials to report such tickets through the Online Gratification (GOL) app on Android or iOS or by accessing the gratuity-reporting website, gol.kpk.go.id. The commission will later assess the reports to determine whether the tickets belong to them or are owed to the state.

However, the KPK stated that free tickets would not be counted as a gratuity if they were an official invitation to be present at the event as a representative of a ministry or state institution.

Indonesia is currently hosting the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra. Athletes from 45 countries in the region are competing in 40 sports. Tickets for the events sell for between Rp 75,000 (US$5.13) and Rp 800,000, while tickets for the closing ceremony cost from Rp 500,000 to Rp 2 million. (ris)

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