KPK: Holiday Parcels for Civil Servants Constitute Gratification

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has affirmed that giving hampers or festive gift packages to civil servants (ASN) or state officials in connection with their positions falls under the category of gratuities.

Arif Waluyo, the KPK’s Director of Gratuities and Public Services, said during a gratuity control socialisation event at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) in Jakarta on Tuesday that the provision is governed by regulations on gratuities.

According to Arif, the KPK also routinely issues circulars on gratuity control ahead of religious holidays such as Idul Fitri, Christmas and Galungan.

He explained that hampers from work partners to civil servants or state officials are not permitted. Meanwhile, gifts from colleagues may only be given provided they meet the requirements set out in the KPK’s guidelines.

Arif said there have been cases where hampers from work partners were received and then reported to the KPK.

Under certain conditions, such items are declared state property, meaning the recipient who wishes to keep them must pay compensation in accordance with the regulations.

If the recipient does not wish to keep the item, he said, the hamper may be returned to the sender.

Arif gave the explanation in response to a question from a participant at the socialisation event, a vendor, about the possibility of giving gifts to clients as a way of maintaining good relations.

Arif urged all suppliers of goods and services not to give gratuities to employees of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, as they could give rise to conflicts of interest.

“It could even be categorised as a bribe if it meets the elements set out in laws and regulations,” he said.