Minister Widiyanti Bathes With Mineral Water, Tourism Ministry Says 100 Percent Hoax

Minister of Tourism (Menpar), Widiyanti Putri Wardhana (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) strongly denies rumors that Minister of Tourism (Menpar) Widiyanti Putri Wardhana bathed with gallon of mineral water during a working visit to a remote area. The rumor originated from a social media post claiming to be from a Ministry civil servant (ASN).

Apni Jaya Putra, Special Staff to the Minister of Tourism, confirmed that the news was completely untrue, a hoax. "Which ASN? The source is anonymous. It came from an unknown social media platform. In fact, the information is completely untrue," Apni said in a statement on Tuesday, September 23.

According to Apni, the rumor is dangerous because it could mislead public opinion. "If the rumor develops into disinformation or even a hoax, that would be terrible," he added.

Apni, who frequently accompanies the Minister of Tourism, considers the issue of bathing in gallon water completely absurd. He stated that Minister Widiyanti rarely stays overnight on official trips, traveling back and forth. If she does, it's only for one night in a hotel or homestay with proper water supply.

"There's no story about using gallon water for bathing. That's 100 percent a hoax," he stressed.

In addition to the gallon water issue, Widiyanti's fashion style has also once again come under public scrutiny. Responding to this, Apni explained that the luxurious photos circulating were documentation from before Widiyanti became minister.

"She has been in the fashion world for a long time. After becoming minister, her clothes increasingly featured Indonesian textiles, which were also part of promoting culture and tourism," she said.

Another issue that frequently arises is the demand for excessive welcomes during working visits. Apni asserts the opposite.

"The minister doesn't want the regions to bother with welcoming her. In fact, she often returns without a ceremony, just saying a short goodbye," she explained.

Despite frequently being hit by negative rumors, the Ministry of Tourism asserts that Widiyanti remains focused on national tourism development targets, from increasing the number of tourists and foreign exchange earnings, developing destinations, creating jobs, and supporting MSMEs.

"If we remain silent, the public will assume we're right. Everything can be verified, including the visit schedule, accommodation locations, and facilities used," Apni said.

This is not the first time Widiyanti has been caught up in controversy. She was criticized for her English skills at international forums and was also highlighted for her wealth, which reached over IDR 5.4 trillion according to her 2024 National Public Accounts Report (LHKPN). Despite this, President Prabowo Subianto retained her in the Red and White Cabinet.

The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the issue of bathing in gallon water and other allegations were simply hoaxes. "It's better to focus on tourism development. That's the Minister's major task," Apni concluded.