AGRICULTURE MINISTRY OFFICIALS NOT ALLOWED TO RECEIVE LEBARAN GIFTS

Jakarta, Sept 11 (ANTARA) - The ministry of agriculture has adopted a policy banning all its officials or staff to give or receive any Lebaran presents.

The ministry's spokesman, Suprahtomo, said all ministry officials and staff had some time ago signed an integrity pact in efforts to fight collusive, corrupt and nepotist practices in their offices.

"In the agreement, officials and staff state they will not receive or give anything linked to their status," he said.

In this case the ministry's policy is clear, namely not allowing any official or staff member to give or receive any kind of Lebaran gifts.
Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyanto who is now in the Netherlands to attend a meeting with the European Union parliament on palmoil however said when asked about the matter that he would not issue a special policy.
"We will follow the general policy of the government. There will be no special policy," he said through a short message service.
When asked to elaborate, the minister said "we have to wait for the announcement that will soon be made by the government."