Jokowi Nominated as One of the Most Corrupt Leaders by OCCRP, Projo: Let the Legal Process Take Place

Jakarta, January 1, 2025 – Secretary-General of Projo, Handoko, responded to the report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that listed Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), as one of the nominees for the world’s most corrupt leaders. Handoko invited anyone with evidence to bring the allegations to court.

"Feel free to pursue legal action if there is concrete data and evidence. Don’t just make baseless claims," said Handoko to reporters on Wednesday (1/1/2025).

Handoko considered the OCCRP report as an attempt to smear Jokowi and Indonesia. He argued that such a report not only tarnishes Jokowi's reputation but also undermines the nation's dignity.

"Don’t create baseless and malicious framing. Such assessments reflect bias and disregard the opinions of the Indonesian people, who still trust Pak Jokowi," he stated.

Handoko also claimed that the OCCRP's assessment does not reflect the reality in Indonesia. He emphasized that Jokowi continues to enjoy strong public support, with an approval rating of over 80%.

"Those who truly understand and experience the leadership are the Indonesian people. The benchmarks are clear: achievements in development, law enforcement, political reforms, and public aspirations," he added.

He further highlighted that during Jokowi's leadership, numerous major corruption cases were prosecuted, including those involving high-ranking officials and even ministers from supporting parties such as PDI-P.

In response to the OCCRP allegations, Jokowi himself denied the accusations and questioned what corruption he was accused of committing. He demanded concrete proof.

"Corruption? What corruption? What did I embezzle? When was it proven? Now, there are so many slanders, malicious framings, and baseless accusations," said Jokowi in Surakarta, Central Java, on Tuesday (31/12/2024).

OCCRP published its 2024 list of the most corrupt leaders, with Jokowi among the nominees. However, the top spot was awarded to Bashar Al-Assad (President of Syria), followed by Kenyan President William Ruto and former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. (ilham)