KPK bans improper 'Idul Fitri' gifts

JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) issued on Friday a circular warning state officials against accepting "inappropriate gifts" from others in relation to Idul Fitri.

The circular also requires state officials to report the gifts given to them -- be they in the form of money, products, discounted facilities, commission, travel tickets or others -- to the commission in accordance with the Anticorruption Law.

KPK chairman Taufiqurrahman Ruki, who signed the circular -- copies of which were made available to the press -- said state officials would have 30 days to report to the KPK after receiving such gifts.

He also appealed to them not to use state funds to buy Idul Fitri gifts for their bosses, saying the money would better be used to help the poor.

Gift vendors protested last year the antigraft commission's issuance of a similar circular, which they blamed for their declining sales.

State officials receive annually Idul Fitri gifts from their subordinates or businesspeople. --JP