JAKARTA, Sept 17 (Askume) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s son visited the country’s anti-corruption agency on Tuesday to offer explanations about his recent use of a private jet and told reporters after the meeting that he denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
The president’s youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, recently sparked outrage in Indonesia when his wife shared his lavish lifestyle in a social media post.
But on Tuesday, Kesang downplayed the uproar.
“I flew in with a friend,” he said after voluntarily meeting anti-corruption investigators. “I am not here because of an invitation, nor because I have been called, but because I have come on my own initiative.”
News that Kaesang and his wife traveled to the United States on a private jet last month came days after nationwide protests against a proposed law that would allow Kaesang, 29, to run in upcoming regional elections.
After heavy opposition the council withdrew the plan.
Outgoing President Joko Widodo has faced criticism for trying to establish his own political dynasty before he steps down next month.
His eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, was elected vice-president in February and will take office on October 20.
A senior official of the anti-corruption agency Pajala Nainggolan said the agency would determine within the next week whether the president’s youngest son had broken any rules.
He said if it were proven that he had improperly received gifts as the son of a state official, Cason would have to repay the cost of travel by private jet to his destination.
Kesang spokesperson Francine Widjojo said Jokowi’s youngest son was initially scheduled to fly to the United States on a commercial flight on 20 August , but he boarded a private jet of a friend who was travelling to the same destination.
(This story has been corrected to attribute the source in paragraph 9 to a senior official, not the deputy chief)
