Muhammad Aulia, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday warned all state employees against accepting gifts during the upcoming Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr, citing potential conflicts of interest related to their duties.

Indonesian Muslims are preparing for their most important holidays, which fall just after the end of Ramadan in about two weeks. Public offices and private companies are obligated to provide permanent workers with financial bonuses equivalent to one month's salary before Eid al-Fitr.

The government, for its part, also provides financial bonuses for state employees during this religious holiday, During this time, business partners, friends, and relatives often exchange gifts.

"The KPK would like to remind all state officials and employees to avoid accepting gifts intended to influence their duties during the Eid al-Fitr holidays," KPK spokesperson Ipi Maryati said in Jakarta.

State officials are also prohibited from requesting holiday gifts or financial bonuses either individually or on behalf of their institutions from sources other than the official bonuses provided by the state.

Ipi said accepting gifts during religious holidays could potentially violate ethics and state regulations, possibly resulting in criminal charges.

The KPK also urges all state employees to refrain from using state facilities for personal interests, such as personal holiday travel using government vehicles.

If gifts have already been accepted and cannot be returned, state employees must report them to the KPK within 30 days, Ipi added.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/state-officials-advised-against-accepting-gifts-during-eid-celebration