6-9-2024 (JAKARTA) The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesia’s premier anti-corruption agency, has made an abrupt about-face regarding its investigation into President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s son, Kaesang Pangarep, and his controversial use of a private jet for a recent international journey.
Initially, the KPK’s directorate responsible for monitoring gifts to public officials had planned to summon Kaesang for questioning. The inquiry was to determine whether his use of the private aircraft could be classified as an improper gift, given his familial connections to high-ranking government officials.
It’s important to note that such an inquiry would not have constituted a criminal investigation. However, under Indonesian law, any gifts received in connection with a public office must be reported to the KPK to avoid potential criminal charges.
In an unexpected turn of events, the KPK has now decided to abandon this course of action. The reversal comes after the discovery that a separate division within the organisation is already conducting a more comprehensive examination of related matters.
KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardhika Sugiarto explained the decision on Thursday, stating, “The reports are already being processed and examined. Therefore, we decided to instead focus on the process at the directorate of public complaints.”
This ongoing examination stems from allegations of illegal gratuities filed against Kaesang by an anti-corruption activist and a university lecturer. The nature of these allegations and their connection to the private jet incident remain unclear at this time.
The controversy surrounding Kaesang’s use of a private jet has ignited public debate about the privileges enjoyed by family members of high-ranking officials. Critics argue that such luxuries could potentially be seen as attempts to curry favour with the presidential family.
