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Analysis: KPK pressured to investigate Jokowi's jet-setting son
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A YouTube clip shows President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo poking fun at his son Kaesang Pangarep’s haircut. (YouTube/@kaesangp)
A
ll eyes are still on Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who became embroiled in a controversy over his use of a private jet for a recent trip to the United States. The controversy has only increased since Kaesang provided clarification over the matter to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Sept. 17.
However, the antigraft body's seemingly half-hearted review and reluctance to pursue the issue have reignited skepticism about its independence and credibility. As public pressure mounts, so do demands that the KPK ensure transparency and accountability in handling what could become a high-profile case.
Kaesang, who chairs the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), said he hitched a ride on a private jet belonging to “a friend” to travel to the US, along with his wife Erina Gudono and the jet’s owner.
He has also argued that since he is not a state official, he is not required to make any formal disclosures related to a private trip. He reiterated this stance to the KPK, saying that he was acting as a law-abiding citizen and not a state official.
KPK prevention and monitoring deputy Pahala Nainggolan revealed that during their meeting, Kaesang submitted a gratuity report that included a detailed itinerary of his US trip as well as travel expenses, estimated at Rp 90 million [US$5,930] for each of the four passengers who traveled on the private jet: Kaesang, Erina, his sister-in-law and an aide.
Pahala said his team would be analyzing both Kaesang’s report and statement to determine whether the trip was an unlawful gift. If it does, Kaesang must pay the state Rp 360 million in compensation for accepting the gratuity.
While Kaesang's visit to the KPK seemed to be an effort at damage control, the public deemed this was not enough, and calls have subsequently increased for the commission to thoroughly investigate the gratuity allegation against Kaesang.
