Explain the Reason for Using OSO Private Jet, Menag Nasaruddin Umar: Ready to Take Responsibility if There are Consequences

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar admitted that he was ready to face the consequences after reporting the use of a private jet owned by Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO) as Chairman of the Hanura Party to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

This was conveyed after he visited the KPK Gratification Directorate at the KPK ACLC building, Rasuna Said, South Jakarta today, February 23. Initially, Nasaruddin explained that the plane was used for a working visit to Makassar, South Sulawesi.

"My departure to carry out my duties in South Sulawesi, yes, in Makassar, using a special plane, yes. Because at 11 pm, it's impossible to have another plane there and tomorrow morning I will go back because there is a preparation for the isbat trial," said Menag Nasaruddin Umar to reporters at the location after reporting the use of the jet plane.

Nasaruddin admitted that he had given the appropriate explanation to the anti-corruption commission. He hopes that his commitment can be an example for the Ministry of Religion as well as other state administrators.

"Let's be good state organizers, yes. Report anything that may be suspicious for us, report it as it is," he said.

"So we shouldn't worry, yes, if it does have consequences, then we have to be ready to take responsibility."

Meanwhile, the KPK said that the report submitted by the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar would be followed up by verifying it. "Later, we will set a time limit of 30 working days to determine whether the status belongs to the state or the recipient," said KPK Public Service and Gratification Director Arif Waluyo separately.

Furthermore, Arif said this report means dropping the imposition of Article 12B of the Corruption Law or related to gratification. Because, the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin had reported before 30 working days according to the provisions.

However, if the decision must be replaced, the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin must pay it to the state treasury. "He said before 30 working days in accordance with Article 12C, it was also conveyed that if it is less than 30 working days, it means that Article 12B does not apply," he explained.

"And later, of course, if we later determine that the SK must, for example, provide what as compensation or substitute money later, we will convey it in the SK," said Arif.

The issue of providing facilities surfaced on the social media platform X on February 16. The documentation of the journey of Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar was spread and caused controversy because it used a private jet.

Later, the Ministry of Religion through the Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau explained that the trip had actually occurred. They also agreed that a private jet was used in the series of trips to South Sulawesi on February 15.

However, the private jet facility was not rented with state money but was provided by Oesman Sapta Odang.

As previously reported, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto has asked the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar to proactively provide an explanation to the Gratification Directorate of the Directorate of Prevention and Monitoring to ensure the status of the provision of the private jet facility.

"(The hope is that the Minister of Law, ed) responds first, thank God, then he has responded to be able to account for it without having to be invited, without having to be called, to come to the Directorate of Prevention and Monitoring. There is a Directorate of Gratification and explains, explains about what is developing. Issues that are developing there," said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto to reporters at the KPK Red and White Building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Wednesday, February 18.

Setyo said the KPK could only wait for the Ministry of Religion to be proactive. His party could not just suspect that the facility was a form of gratification.

"We can't just immediately justify that it's wrong. But, we go through the process," he said.

In addition, to process the alleged gratification, the KPK needs to conduct further in-depth research. "We will first make sure if there are any aspects that are then related to the abuse of power or the victory of his position," he said.

"We can't just immediately justify that it's wrong, but we go through the process."