KPK investigates Jokowi’s Lorenzo sunglasses

January 22, 2014, 08.35 PM | Source: The Jakarta Post

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JAKARTA. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating a gratification report on sunglasses given to Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo by Spanish MotoGP racer Jorge Lorenzo.

“Yes, today, via one of his staff members, Jokowi handed over sunglasses given him by Lorenzo when they were cycling earlier this week,” said KPK gratification director Giri Suprapdiono in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

The price of the white-colored Hawker sunglasses is unknown.

“Lorenzo gave the sunglasses to Jokowi without his signature,” Giri said, adding that if the KPK considered the sunglasses were a gratuity, they would confiscate them. If not, the sunglasses would be returned to Jokowi.

“People may belittle this case saying it's an unimportant issue. But it’s not merely about sunglasses. The KPK really appreciates all gratuity reports, no matter what the value of the gift, because corruption starts from small gratuities,” said Giri.

On Monday, Jokowi biked to work with Lorenzo, starting from the governor’s official residence on Jl.Taman Surapati to City Hall.

Earlier, Jokowi had reported a brown Ibanez bass guitar that he was given by Robert Trujillo, a member of US rock band Metallica, via music promoter Jonathan Liu in May 2013.

The guitar, which was emblazoned with the message, "To Jokowi: Keep playing that cool funky bass", was considered a gratuity by the KPK as the Metallica was planning to hold a concert in Jakarta at the time. The guitar will be displayed at KPK headquarters as a symbol of public officials’ awareness on reporting gratuities.

According to Law No. 20/2001 on corruption, gratuities include money, gifts, discounted prices, fees, interest-free loans, travel, hotel facilities, free medication and other facilities provided to public or state officials. If found guilty of accepting a gratuity, an official faces a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of between Rp 200 million (US$16,400) and Rp 1 billion. (ebf)