Metallica guitar at centre of Indonesian corruption row

A bass guitar signed by Metallica's Robert Trujillo is at the centre of a political controversy in Indonesia. An instrument owned by Jakarta governor Joko Widodo, allegedly a gift from Trujillo, has been confiscated by anti-corruption investigators following allegations it was a bribe.

Yesterday, Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced they are permanently confiscating Widodo's maroon Ibanez guitar, mostly due to a handwritten message on its surface: "Giving back … Keep playing that cool, funky bass." This outwardly banal scribble is code, the KPK alleged, for an anticipated kickback. "In Indonesian, [those] words could have a meaning of asking for something in return," the government's Giri Supradiyono told the Jakarta Globe (via Blabbermouth).

Nobody is claiming Metallica's long-time bassist has tried to finagle a quid pro quo from the governor of Indonesia's biggest city: the theory is that Jonathan Liu, a Jakarta concert promoter, added the "Giving back" message after Trujillo had autographed the instrument. "[The note] has different handwriting than Trujillo's [signature]," Supradiyono said. "There is someone else who added it."

Anti-graft authorities began investigating Widodo's guitar at the beginning of the month, when it was spied in a photograph. Government officials are obliged to report any gifts they receive from the public and are forbidden from accepting offerings valued at more than 300,000 rupiah (£20). "If they say I can't have it, so be it," Widodo said.

Elected in September 2012, 51-year-old Widodo is one of Indonesia's most popular politicians and an avowed fan of heavy-metal acts such as Metallica, Lamb of God and Napalm Death. Watchdogs worry that by giving him the guitar, Liu hoped to expedite permits for a Metallica gig later this year.

The KPK is now considering two options for dealing with the confiscated bass. According to Supradiyono, the instrument will either be bequeathed to a museum or auctioned off through the ministry of finance. If Widodo puts in a bid, Supradiyono said, "[he] can have it [back], but [at] a higher price".

Metallica's first 3D concert film, Through the Never, will be released in September.