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Minister Faces Inquiry Over Wife’s Embassy Trip Request

Documents scrutinized after letter seeking support for European “cultural mission” sparks controversy

The Indonesian anti-corruption commission is examining documents submitted by **MSME Minister Maman Abdurrahman** regarding a letter requesting embassy assistance for his wife’s European trip, a move prompted by public scrutiny and raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Key Development

**KPK** spokesman **Budi Prasetyo** told reporters that the agency received documents from **Maman Abdurrahman**, and its internal team will analyze them. He emphasized the importance of state administrators avoiding any actions that could be seen as gratification or conflicts of interest.

“Earlier the Minister also delivered several documents to the KPK,” **Budi Prasetyo** said.

According to a 2024 report by Transparency International, Indonesia ranks 115 out of 180 countries in perceived levels of public sector corruption, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance (Transparency International).

Focus on Corruption Prevention

**Budi** elaborated that **Maman’s** visit also aimed at bolstering anti-corruption measures within the Ministry of MSMEs. The ministry has requested guidance on prioritizing programs, ensuring allocated budgets are managed transparently and in compliance with regulations, mitigating corruption risks.

“Indeed, in the Ministry of UMKM there are several priority programs which of course also need assistance, efforts to prevent corruption so that the budget that will be poured out, prepared for these programs can also be carried out, can be carried out with mechanisms in accordance with the provisions. So that we can mitigate gaps prone to corruption,” **Budi** concluded.

Minister’s Explanation

**Maman Abdurrahman** stated that he proactively submitted the documents to address the controversy surrounding the letter. He characterized it as a demonstration of his accountability to the nation.

“My presence to the KPK, I want to convey on my personal initiative. My capacity as a minister of MSMEs and this is a form of my accountability to the nation and country and I took the initiative to submit several documents,” **Maman** stated.

Embassy Assistance Request

The Ministry of UMKM’s letter requested assistance from six Indonesian Embassies and a Consul General for **Agustina Hastarini**, **Maman Abdurrahman’s** wife, during her European trip. The letter, dated June 30, 2025, referenced the wife of the Minister of UMKM undertaking cultural mission activities across multiple European cities, seeking embassy support during her travels.

The locations included Istanbul, Türkiye; Pomorie and Sofia, Bulgaria; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Lucerne, Switzerland; and Milan, Italy.