Public Waiting For KPK Courage To Investigate Alleged Gratification Of Kaesang Pangarep Regarding The Use Of Private Jets

Workers clean up the logo of the Corruption Eradication Commission at the KPK building, Jakarta. (ANTARA/Muhammad Adimaja/AMA/aa)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is considered slow to move to investigate allegations of gratification related to the use of private jets by Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko Widodo. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana reminded that there are many corruption cases that do not involve elements of public officials or state officials.

Kaesang Pangarep and his wife, Erina Gudono, have been on their lips since last August, because they are considered showing off their luxurious lifestyle during their trip to the United States (US). This is known through the Instastory uploaded by Erina.

From the upload, netizens looked for various information about the journey of Kaesang and Erina. From there it was discovered that they were using a private Gulfstream G650ER jet. Not only that, but Erina also uploaded on social media about bread for Rp. 400 thousand and a baby train with an alleged price of tens of millions of rupiah.

At the same time, almost all elements of society are demonstrating against the DPR's plan to ratify the revision of the Pilkada Law which is considered only to benefit certain groups, including Jokowi's family.

After having 'hid' in the midst of netizens' insults, Kaesang finally appeared. He visited the KPK Building, Tuesday (17/9/2024), accompanied by his attorney and spokesman, as well as stating that his arrival was a personal initiative as a citizen who obeyed the law, not because of an official summons.

"Even though I actually have no obligation," said Jokowi's youngest son at the KPK building.

Kaesang Pangarep, who is also the General Chair of PSI, explained that his trip to the US using a private jet only brought friends. But so far the details of who the friend in question is are not explained by Kaesang.

"I'm going to a friend, if it's a bekennyanebeng language," said Kaesang briefly.

The polemic of using private jets by Kaesang and Erina is still the talk of many people. The suspicion of the private jet was raised as a form of gratification.

According to netizens' investigation, the private jet belongs to a company that had collaborated with Gibran Rakabuming Raka when he was still the mayor of Solo. Gibran is none other than Kaesang's older brother.

After Kaesang's visit, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana urged the KPK to examine the alleged receipt of Kaesang's gratuities. Kurnia said the anti-corruption commission needed to explore Kaesang's statement even though he claimed to be not a public official or state administrator.

"Because this case has attracted public attention regarding the alleged gratification. Therefore, the information that has been conveyed by Kaesang, must be explored further, and then held whether the gratification is related to the position of Kaesang's family," said Kurnia.

Regarding whether Kaesang may be questioned by the KPK is still a polemic because he claims to be not a public official or a state administrator. However, Kurnia emphasized that the KPK still needs to explore Kaesang's statement because he has kinship with public officials and state officials.

It is known that apart from his father, the president, Kaesang is also the younger brother of the elected vice president and former mayor of Solo, Gibran. In addition, his brother-in-law, Bobby Nasution, is the Mayor of Medan. So according to Kurnia, the framework for the alleged gratification is not on the subject of Kaesang individually.

"Because if Kaesang is an individual, one, he is an entrepreneur. Two, he is the general chairman of the party, there is no aspect of state administrators there. However, the family relationship makes it important for the KPK to explore the alleged gratification," Kurnia explained.

Furthermore, Kurnia reminded that many corruption cases do not involve elements of public officials or state officials.

"There are so many corruption cases with gratification offenses, state officials are not received directly, but certain literates accept this. Therefore, we encourage the KPK to carry out further investigations, because the realm has now moved to public complaints. So that's our hope to the KPK," he explained.

ICW Political Corruption Division Coordinator Egi Primayogha also emphasized that gratification, bribery, or other types of corruption do not only involve the perpetrator, public officials or state administrators, but also often involve those closest to him, such as business partners, family, or others.

"So, in this case, we still have to see that this alleged gratification can also be conveyed through Kaesang, if it can really be proven," he said.

Meanwhile, Gadjah Mada University Anti-Corruption Study Center (UGM) researcher Zaenur Rohman admitted that the Corruption Crime Law (UU Tipikor) did not regulate giving to families of state officials. However, according to him, law enforcers can use jurisprudence, namely the judge's decision in previous cases which can be used as a legal source to decide similar cases in the future.

Zaenur regretted that the KPK did not take a firm stance. According to him, Kaesang's alleged gratification should be the entrance to investigate Jokowi's family. Apart from Kaesang Pangarep, Boby Nasution was also reported to the KPK after a photo of himself and his family riding a private jet went viral on social media.

"Can Kaesang be used to investigate Jokowi's family? That's right, it should be possible," said Zaenur.

According to Zaenur, currently the problem is that there is no courage from the anti-corruption commission to investigate what the public is talking about.

"So this is the problem, I think there is no courage and the KPK is already weak to be able to do that," he concluded.