Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar Takes Private Jet, KPK Speaks Out
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar accepted the use of a private jet provided by businessman and politician Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO) when inaugurating the Balai Sarkiah building in Takalar Regency on Sunday, 15 February 2026. Nasaruddin's attendance was at the direct invitation of OSO.
"Mr OSO specifically invited and expressed his hope that the Balai Sarkiah would be inaugurated by the Religious Affairs Minister. Mr OSO took the initiative to arrange a private jet for the Minister so he could attend amid his packed schedule," said the Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Public Relations and Communications Bureau, Thobib Al Asyhar, in Jakarta on Monday (16/2), as reported on the ministry's official website.
"All transport arrangements for the journey were prepared by the organiser," he added.
Thobib explained that the Balai Sarkiah building, located in Sabintang subdistrict, is projected to become a new epicentre for religious and social activities in South Sulawesi. The building will serve as a centre for community empowerment.
According to Thobib, Nasaruddin continued to serve the community even on a public holiday. In his address in Takalar, Nasaruddin also expressed appreciation for the OSO family's role in community empowerment.
The building is expected to contribute to religious education and economic empowerment of the community.
"The Minister stated that the government greatly appreciates the role of community figures who independently build religious infrastructure. The Balai Sarkiah is not merely a building, but a symbol of collaboration to strengthen the values of social concern within society," Thobib said.
The inauguration of the Balai Sarkiah was attended by OSO and his family, Takalar Regent Mohammad Firdaus Daeng Manye, and members of the South Sulawesi Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). Approximately 200 religious and community leaders were also present.
The inauguration began with the signing of an inscription plaque by the Chairwoman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, Serviati Oesman, accompanied by Nasaruddin. Beyond the physical inauguration, the event also marked the commencement of the building's social function through the handover of a Baznas decree to the Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) of the KN Foundation.
KPK Response
Following the acceptance of the private jet facility, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expressed its hope that Nasaruddin Umar would provide a direct explanation to the public.
"It would be welcome if he could respond and account for this without having to be invited or summoned," said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/2).
Setyo said Nasaruddin could also visit the KPK's Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring to explain the matter.
"There [at the Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring] is the Directorate of Gratification and Public Services, which can receive and provide clarity regarding the issues currently circulating," he said.
Following that, Setyo explained, the KPK could follow up by conducting an analysis or review.
"We can then analyse it and examine it further," he added.
"Mr OSO specifically invited and expressed his hope that the Balai Sarkiah would be inaugurated by the Religious Affairs Minister. Mr OSO took the initiative to arrange a private jet for the Minister so he could attend amid his packed schedule," said the Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Public Relations and Communications Bureau, Thobib Al Asyhar, in Jakarta on Monday (16/2), as reported on the ministry's official website.
"All transport arrangements for the journey were prepared by the organiser," he added.
Thobib explained that the Balai Sarkiah building, located in Sabintang subdistrict, is projected to become a new epicentre for religious and social activities in South Sulawesi. The building will serve as a centre for community empowerment.
According to Thobib, Nasaruddin continued to serve the community even on a public holiday. In his address in Takalar, Nasaruddin also expressed appreciation for the OSO family's role in community empowerment.
The building is expected to contribute to religious education and economic empowerment of the community.
"The Minister stated that the government greatly appreciates the role of community figures who independently build religious infrastructure. The Balai Sarkiah is not merely a building, but a symbol of collaboration to strengthen the values of social concern within society," Thobib said.
The inauguration of the Balai Sarkiah was attended by OSO and his family, Takalar Regent Mohammad Firdaus Daeng Manye, and members of the South Sulawesi Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). Approximately 200 religious and community leaders were also present.
The inauguration began with the signing of an inscription plaque by the Chairwoman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, Serviati Oesman, accompanied by Nasaruddin. Beyond the physical inauguration, the event also marked the commencement of the building's social function through the handover of a Baznas decree to the Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) of the KN Foundation.
KPK Response
Following the acceptance of the private jet facility, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expressed its hope that Nasaruddin Umar would provide a direct explanation to the public.
"It would be welcome if he could respond and account for this without having to be invited or summoned," said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/2).
Setyo said Nasaruddin could also visit the KPK's Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring to explain the matter.
"There [at the Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring] is the Directorate of Gratification and Public Services, which can receive and provide clarity regarding the issues currently circulating," he said.
Following that, Setyo explained, the KPK could follow up by conducting an analysis or review.
"We can then analyse it and examine it further," he added.