Indonesia’s corruption watchdog summons Widodo’s son Kaesang over private jet use

Kaesang Pangarep will face questions regarding his reported use of a private jet on a lavish trip to the US with his wife Erina Gudono

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Kaesang Pangarep, son of outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo and brother of the country’s incoming vice-president Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:03pm, 2 Sep 2024Updated: 12:21pm, 2 Sep 2024

Indonesia’s corruption watchdog will summon President Joko Widodo’s youngest son to seek clarification over his reported use of a private jet on a recent overseas trip.

A clarification summons will be issued soon, Alexander Marwata, deputy head of the anti-corruption agency, said in a briefing on Friday. Kaesang Pangarep will be questioned to prove that the use of the private jet was not a gratuity, he said.

A query by the agency, which operates under the president’s office, doesn’t necessarily mean the 29-year-old will be accused of wrongdoing. But it is another blow to Widodo after mass protests last month thwarted manoeuvres aimed at allowing Kaesang to run in regional elections in November despite failing to meet the age requirement.

Kaesang’s representative and the president’s office were not immediately available for comment.

Although Kaesang himself is not a state official, the anti-corruption agency said it needed to clarify that the private jet is not an inappropriate gift received by virtue of his father’s position.

We suspect, as it should be suspected, that there is a connection with state officials. We know Kaesang’s parents

Alexander Marwata, anti-corruption official

“Why do we need an explanation from Kaesang? Because we suspect, as it should be suspected, that there is a connection with state officials. We know Kaesang’s parents,” Marwata said.