TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The eldest son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said he had never been involved in the procurement of COVID-19 social assistance.

“My name was mentioned in the case. It is not true. I never recommended, interfered in social aid affairs, let alone recommended the goodie bags,” said Gibran in Solo on Monday, Dec. 21.

Gibran asked all to confirm the issue with the related parties, PT Sritex and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“If I want to commit corruption, why is it just now, not from a long time ago. I've never done that. If I want to, I’d choose a bigger project, be it PLN, Pertamina, or a toll road, those are worth trillions. I've never done such a thing, let alone involved in that,” he remarked.

Gibran added that the source of his campaign funds could be accessed in the Campaign Fund Report (LKDK). According to him, everything can be checked online.

The Dec. 19 edition of Tempo Magazine reported that former Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara and his team allegedly appointed PT Sri Rejeki Isman or Sritex as a partner for the production of goodie bags. Two of the team members said the decision was made based on Gibran's recommendation.

PT Sritex president director Iwan Setiawan Lukminto remained tight-lipped when asked for confirmation. The firm’s spokesperson, Joy Citra Dewi, however, rebuffed Gibran Rakabuming’s involvement in the procurement of goodie bags for the COVID-19 social aid.

Juliari Batubara's attorney, Maqdir Ismail, said he could not comment on the issue yet. “Sorry, I can't answer the question because I can't reach Pak Juliari P. Batubara,” said Maqdir.

Read: Solo Election Candidate Gibran Rakabuming's Wealth Worth Rp22 Billion

ANTARA