Jokowi's Minister Defends Kaesang's Private Jet Use, Citing Erina's Pregnancy
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11 September 2024 15:35 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Communication and Information (Kominfo), Budi Arie Setiadi, has defended the use of a private jet by Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Chairman Kaesang Pangarep and his wife, Erina Gudono. The couple used the Gulfstream G650ER private jet for a trip to the United States last August.
Budi Arie clarified that the jet belonged to a friend of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's youngest son and that using the aircraft was a personal matter. “It's his personnel business,” he stated as quoted from a widely circulated video on social media X on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
The minister, who is also the Chairman of the Pro Jokowi (Projo) volunteer group, urged the public not to make an issue out of the situation. He emphasized that Erina's advanced pregnancy was the primary reason for using the private jet. “She's eight months pregnant. She’s not allowed to take public transportation,” Budi explained.
Regarding potential gratification involved in the jet's use, he insisted that such allegations were irrelevant. He compared the situation to lending a jet to a friend. “You can't [implicate gratification] if it's his friend,” he added.
Furthermore, Budi Arie emphasized that Kaesang is a private citizen and is not subject to the same rules and regulations as public officials.
Jokowi and Gibran Respod to Kaesang's Private Jet Polemic
President Jokowi has finally commented on the polemic surrounding Kaesang's private jet use. When questioned about potential gratification related to the jet, he avoided a direct answer but emphasized the importance of legal equality. “All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law,” he stated at the GBK Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 11, 2024.
Gibran Rakabuming, however, suggested that the media ask Kaesang directly about the matter. He also denied any connection between the alleged gratification and a cooperation agreement he had signed with e-commerce platform Shopee as Mayor of Solo.
RIZKI DEWI AYU | DANIEL A FAJRI
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