Lucky Hakim Apologizes for Unapproved Trip Abroad

Independent Report – Jakarta – The Regent of Indramayu, Lucky Hakim. Acknowledged his mistake of traveling abroad without obtaining permission from the governor and the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, Lucky explained that his actions were not intentional.

Lucky Hakim Acknowledges His Mistake

Lucky admitted that he thought the days he was away were part of a national holiday, and therefore. He assumed there was no need to secure permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. “On the first day of Eid, I was still with the people, and even in the afternoon, I was with them. The next day too. But by then, the office was empty, except for my personal staff, who are not funded by the state. From this, I made the assumption that the office was closed, and it was a public holiday. So, I went and returned before the office reopened, but I realize now that this was a mistake, and for that, I apologize.” He explained to reporters on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Lucky openly admitted that he did not carry the necessary travel authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs when he traveled abroad. As a result, he issued an apology to the people of Indramayu. Stating that it was purely his personal mistake stemming from his own assumptions.

Regulation on Foreign Travel for Regional Heads

In fact, according to regulations, regional heads must obtain permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs before traveling abroad. Regardless of whether it is a workday or a national holiday.

“This is why I am here to apologize because as a regional leader, there is no such thing as a holiday,” he emphasized.

Lucky also clarified that his trip to Japan was funded entirely by his personal money, without using any state facilities, and he was not accompanied by any aides or special staff members. Furthermore, during his departure and return, he did not use any official government vehicles.

“I’d like to explain that I left on April 2 and returned to Indonesia on April 7. I didn’t use any state facilities, paid with my own funds, and there was no connection to the regional government. It was during the public holiday,” he said.

Providing Evidence to Support His Explanation

He further explained that the main issue being investigated was whether his trip was an official business trip or if it involved the use of the regional budget. “So, the question is whether I used official business travel funds or APBD (regional budget) funds,” he added.

Lucky also showed evidence to support his explanation during the investigation. He provided proof that his tickets were purchased using personal funds, and he did not bring any aides or special assistants with him. “Even to the airport, I wasn’t escorted, and no one picked me up from the airport. This was purely a family vacation, paid for personally. I have provided all the evidence,” he concluded.

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After the investigation, Dedi Mulyadi, the Governor of West Java, commented on Lucky Hakim’s trip to Japan during the 2025 Eid mudik (homecoming) season. Dedi mentioned that to make one’s children happy, there was no need to travel to Japan.

Dedi said that he had contacted Lucky through text messages and Zoom meetings, where Lucky apologized for going to Japan without permission in order to fulfill a promise to his children. “I explained to Mr. Lucky that today, both of us are public officials.” Dedi said during a press conference in Bandung on Tuesday.

Advice on Making Children Happy Without Traveling Abroad

The governor continued, “As public officials, we are bound by state regulations. Even though it’s a parent’s right to make their children happy, happiness doesn’t have to come from a trip to Japan.”

Dedi advised Lucky that, as a regional leader, if his children wanted to have fun, they should do so within their own city or district. “If you say that your city is not as beautiful as Japan, then work on making it as beautiful as Japan. That’s part of a leader’s job,” Dedi remarked.

The governor emphasized that, looking forward, he hoped regional officials could work on making the places in West Java more beautiful. “It’s important because I envision a future where regional leaders can create attractive destinations within their regions,” he said.

Dedi also suggested that if Lucky were to take his children on recreational trips, they could explore local areas within Indramayu, rather than looking for entertainment abroad. Dedi also mentioned that certain issues, like the street sweepers along the Pantura highway, need attention and improvement. “When we shut it down, they return. We need to find a solution to this problem, which is not only a cultural issue but one that needs immediate educational reform,” Dedi concluded.

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