Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has been criticized for his unconventional approach to addressing corruption, as he has instructed two types of "lauks" - or bribes - to be included in the menu at the presidential palace's main dining hall.
According to sources within the Presidential Palace, a "lauk" refers to an official allowance given to high-ranking officials and dignitaries. This allowance is intended to cover expenses related to their duties, but in practice has often been used as a way for officials to accept bribes from wealthy individuals or companies seeking favors.
The two types of "lauks" that have been included on the menu are: one refers to the official's personal allowance, while the other refers to the allowance for entertaining guests. Both allowances are considered unacceptable by anti-corruption groups, who argue that they perpetuate a culture of bribery and nepotism in Indonesia.
"This is a disturbing development," said Rizky A. Rifai, chair of the Indonesian Corruption Perception Index (KCI). "If the President's palace is serving 'lauks' on its menu, it sends a clear message that corruption is acceptable and that those who engage in it will be rewarded."
Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to combat corruption in Indonesia, which has long been plagued by graft and nepotism. The inclusion of "lauks" on the menu also raises questions about the integrity of other officials and institutions within the palace.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Presidential Palace said that the inclusion of "lauks" on the menu was simply an attempt to provide a historical perspective on how Indonesia's elite have traditionally entertained themselves. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by anti-corruption groups and experts, who argue that it is little more than a thinly veiled attempt to whitewash corruption.
As the Indonesian government continues to grapple with the issue of corruption, this move serves as a reminder that much work remains to be done to root out graft and ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable.
According to sources within the Presidential Palace, a "lauk" refers to an official allowance given to high-ranking officials and dignitaries. This allowance is intended to cover expenses related to their duties, but in practice has often been used as a way for officials to accept bribes from wealthy individuals or companies seeking favors.
The two types of "lauks" that have been included on the menu are: one refers to the official's personal allowance, while the other refers to the allowance for entertaining guests. Both allowances are considered unacceptable by anti-corruption groups, who argue that they perpetuate a culture of bribery and nepotism in Indonesia.
"This is a disturbing development," said Rizky A. Rifai, chair of the Indonesian Corruption Perception Index (KCI). "If the President's palace is serving 'lauks' on its menu, it sends a clear message that corruption is acceptable and that those who engage in it will be rewarded."
Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to combat corruption in Indonesia, which has long been plagued by graft and nepotism. The inclusion of "lauks" on the menu also raises questions about the integrity of other officials and institutions within the palace.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Presidential Palace said that the inclusion of "lauks" on the menu was simply an attempt to provide a historical perspective on how Indonesia's elite have traditionally entertained themselves. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by anti-corruption groups and experts, who argue that it is little more than a thinly veiled attempt to whitewash corruption.
As the Indonesian government continues to grapple with the issue of corruption, this move serves as a reminder that much work remains to be done to root out graft and ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable.