Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) urged state officials to not accept any form of gratification during Eid al-Fitr or other major religious observances.

The instruction is regulated through KPK Circular No. 6 of 2023 on Prevention of Corruption and Control of Gratification in Religious Holidays, dated March 30, 2023.

"Through the circular, the KPK reminded state officials and apparatuses to reject any gratification related to their office that will violate their obligations or duties, particularly during the 2023 Eid al-Fitr," KPK Spokesperson Ipi Maryati noted, as per the statement here Monday.

Any request for financial benefits or presents made by state officials during the Eid period is prohibited, as it can cause a conflict of interest, she remarked.

"It is also a violation of regulations and the code of ethics as well as risking a criminal sanction," the official noted.

Meanwhile, Maryati reminded heads of ministries government agencies, state-owned and regional-owned enterprises, as well as regional authorities to issue an internal circular to remind their officials and employees to reject any gratification during Eid.

"Leaders of associations or corporations or the public are also expected to take precautionary measures by reminding its members not to provide a gratification that can be perceived as a bribe, kickback, or others (to state officials)," the spokesperson noted.

She remarked that the anti-graft agency also urges residents to promptly report to law enforcers if they find any case of requests of gratification, bribe, or extortion made by state officials or apparatus.

"Moreover, if state officials or apparatus could not reject the gratification due to particular conditions, they are required to report it to the KPK by the latest 30 days after receiving the gratification," Maryati remarked.

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Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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