The Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, was in West Cikarang (West Java) on 4 September to open a Toyota Spare Parts Center. Kalla was invited by PT Toyota Astra Motor to do the honors and was given a new Toyota Prius hybrid car for agreeing to step up and do the opening. It has been suggested that this was only a symbolic gesture. However, considering the latest spate of corruption arrests it is better to play it safe than to be sorry later.
Kalla to his credit reported the "gift" to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). It is an interesting gift to get. However, in his report to the KPK Kalla was unequivocal that the car would not be for his private use. This kind of seems obvious as he could easily afford to buy one or two anyway. I am not sure that Toyotas are his cars of choice anyway.
I wonder what PT Toyota Astra Motor was thinking when the decision was made to give the Veep a car for opening a spare parts center?
Is the Veep's decision to report the car a sign of the changing times?
