JAKARTA - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has affirmed that no protection will be provided to any minister of the Onward Indonesia Cabinet who is involved in corruption. This was announced in response to Social Affairs Minister Juliari P. Batubara being named as a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for allegedly embezzling coronavirus (COVID-19) aid funds on Sunday (6/12).
"I will not protect anyone involved in corruption, and we all believe KPK is working in a transparent, adequate, and professional manner. The government will consistently support efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption," Mr Widodo said in a video uploaded on the Cabinet Secretariat's official YouTube channel.
According to Mr Widodo, all cabinet ministers have been asked to create a system that prevents corruptive practises since their appointments. All ministers and local governments, he said, are constantly reminded to be cautious in using Regional and State Budgets.
"Moreover, this is related to COVID-19 social assistance as part of the National Economic Recovery programme, which is very much needed by the people," Mr Widodo said. (LK/MS)