A recent social media post featuring a plane wing against a backdrop of clouds drew significant attention when it was revealed that the travelers were Kaesang Pangarep, the younger son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and his wife, Erina Gudono. The couple's journey from Jakarta to Los Angeles included posts about luxury items, which sparked outrage among Indonesians facing economic challenges.
The couple's use of a private jet, linked to the online mall operator Shopee, was particularly controversial. Critics questioned whether Kaesang, as the brother of the mayor of Solo, would have had access to the jet without his familial connections. Boyamin Saiman, a coordinator of an anti-corruption watchdog, filed a complaint regarding the flight, suggesting potential impropriety.
Kaesang denied any wrongdoing, claiming he “hitchhiked” on a friend's plane without revealing the friend's identity. The Corruption Eradication Commission is currently investigating the flight to determine if it constituted a bribe, although the ownership of the jet remains unclear.
Opponents of President Joko noted that this incident coincided with recent political maneuvers, including a constitutional revision that facilitated the entry of Joko's son, Gibran, into the vice-presidential race. Protests erupted as parliament considered legislation that would allow Kaesang to run in upcoming local elections, further complicating the political landscape.
President Joko, who has been characterized as a humble leader, faces criticism for perceived attempts to establish a political dynasty. His administration has been marked by significant economic reforms, yet he has also been accused of fostering corruption, with Indonesia ranking 115th out of 180 nations in the 2023 corruption perception index.
In light of these developments, Ubedillah Badrun, a scholar, renewed calls for investigations into the ties between Joko’s family and influential business figures. He previously filed a graft complaint related to the close connections between Joko's sons and a prominent conglomerate, raising concerns about favoritism and regulatory leniency.
The anti-corruption agency has faced scrutiny for its handling of such complaints, with past cases involving lesser officials being processed more rigorously. Following the private jet incident, calls for accountability have intensified, reflecting broader concerns about corruption and governance in Indonesia.