Lucky Hakim Claims Vacation To Japan With Family Not Using State Money

JAKARTA - Indramayu Regent Lucky Hakim claimed that his vacation with his family to Japan during the Idul Fitri 1446 Hijri momentum using personal funds and facilities did not come from the Indramayu Regency Government budget.

"I explained that I departed from April 2nd and returned to Indonesia on April 7. Not using state facilities, personal money," Lucky said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, April 8.

He admitted that he had given the explanation when examined by the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemdagri). He also brought a number of evidences, including the purchase of plane tickets using personal funds.

In addition, he emphasized that his trip abroad was not accompanied by an aide to the regional head (ACD) from the Indramayu Regency Government.

"Is the APBD budget money? No. I show the evidence. That I bought a private ticket. I went there for my family. So I didn't bring with my aide or aspri or special staff at all," he explained.

Lucky Hakim underwent an examination by the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Home Affairs for two hours today.

He revealed that he received 43 questions regarding his trip to Japan, which was allegedly carried out without official permission and was deemed to have violated the prohibition of traveling abroad for regional heads during the Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri period.

During the examination, Lucky admitted his mistake for not obtaining permission from the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian. He also apologized to all parties, especially to the people of Indramayu Regency.

Lucky also admitted his mistake in understanding the rules regarding travel permits abroad. He thought the ban only applies on weekdays, so he thought that traveling during Eid holidays was allowed.

Previously, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi reprimanded Lucky for traveling to Japan without permission.

"It is true that it is a personal right, everyone can take a vacation, especially on holidays and Eid holidays," he said.

However, he continued, governors, regents, mayors, deputy governors, deputy regents, and deputy mayors if they travel abroad must obtain permission from the Minister of Home Affairs.

"The letter was submitted through the Governor of West Java," wrote Dedi in his official Instagram account upload quoted from Jakarta, Monday.

The moment Lucky left for Japan was known from the upload on his personal Instagram account. In the upload, it appears that he got out of the car wearing Japanese clothing.

The trip was allegedly without permission from the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, or from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This is considered contrary to the circular letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs which prohibits regional heads from traveling abroad during the Lebaran holiday because they handle various important matters related to the celebration of Muslim holidays.