The Indonesian government will be dismissing Garuda Indonesia’s CEO I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Danadiputra (Ari Askhara) for allegedly evading tax on a Harley Davidson motorcycle and two Brompton foldable bicycles.
The Harley Davidson parts, worth 800 million rupiah (US$57,000), were reportedly carried onboard a brand-new Airbus A330-900 on its delivery from Toulouse, France on November 16, with custom officers finding them on its arrival at Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta, reported Reuters. A number of Garuda executives including Ari was onboard the flight.
In a press conference in Jakarta yesterday, minister of state enterprises Erick Tohir said the motorcycle was allegedly found to belong to Ari Askhara, who made use of the state-owned company for his personal means.
“I will fire Garuda President and CEO. However, as (the airline) is a public company, there are a number of procedures to follow. We will also (investigate) others who are involved in this case,” he said.
The airline did not respond to requests for comment.