Indonesia’s anti-graft body plans to query Jokowi’s son over private jet trip amid public anger
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(From left) Indonesian President Joko Widodo, wife Iriana and son Kaesang Pangarep seen in a 2017 photo.
PHOTO: REUTERS
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s anti-graft agency plans to ask the younger son of Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to clarify his use of a private jet on a recent overseas trip as well as who paid for the travel expenses, its deputy chief said on Aug 28.
The comments come days after nationwide protests led Parliament to shelve plans for legislation that critics said would weaken opponents of Mr Jokowi and also allow his son, 29-year-old Kaesang Pangarep, to run in regional elections.
“An official’s son went on a trip using a private jet,” agency official Alexander Marwata told Reuters. “The people want to know whether the facilities used had something to do with his parent, as a state official.”
Details of the trip, some of which were revealed in social media posts by Mr Kaesang’s wife, have sparked public anger.
“If those facilities have something to do with his parent’s job, that should be reported as receiving improper gifts,” Mr Marwata added, referring to rules that ban officials from receiving gifts. “If they don’t, there’s no problem.”
Mr Kaesang did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear when he would be questioned.
The Indonesian President’s office declined to comment. Celebrated on taking office in 2014 for his humble roots and lack of ties to Indonesia’s elites, Mr Jokowi has faced wider scrutiny in recent years as critics accused him of building his own political dynasty, a claim he has denied.
His eldest son, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, was elected as Indonesian vice-president in February and will be inaugurated on Oct 20, alongside Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto. REUTERS
