The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Community (MAKI) accused Firli of living a "hedonistic lifestyle" by using a private helicopter to take a personal trip from South Sumatra's capital of Palembang to his hometown in Baturaja in the same province last week. They maintained that this constituted an ethical violation.

 “We asked for his clarification on Thursday,” council member Sjamsuddin Haris said on Friday as reported by kompas.com.

However, he did not explain the clarification process or whether any ethics violations had been found.

According to the MAKI report, Firli took a helicopter taxi, sometimes called a helimousine, to Baturaja to visit his parents' graves. Such services can cost up to US$1,400 for an hour of use, Reuters reported.

Firli brushed off the allegations and declined to comment on the criticism.

Read also: Watchdogs' grim report says KPK has 'lost public trust' in six months under Firli

“[My focus] is on working and working,” the former South Sumatra police chief said as reported by tribunnews.com on Friday.

Firli’s colleague, KPK commissioner Alexander Marwata, came to his defense, saying that that Firli had taken the helicopter to save time.

“Regardless of people’s opinions, he was considering time efficiency because he only took one day of leave,” Alexander said as reported by kompas.com.

Alexander said that Firli had explained that he chose to rent the helicopter because it would take hours to travel from Palembang to Baturaja by car.

MAKI previously accused Firli of failing to comply with health protocols during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak as he had not worn a mask or kept his distance while interacting with the public.

Firli denied violating health protocols and said he wore masks while talking to people. (nal)

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