diff --git a/services/logging/Jenkinsfile.data-prepper b/services/logging/Jenkinsfile.data-prepper
index 5437ece0..90d2ae2b 100644
--- a/services/logging/Jenkinsfile.data-prepper
+++ b/services/logging/Jenkinsfile.data-prepper
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ spec:
               }
 EOF
               dest_args="--destination ${HARBOR_REPO}:${IMAGE_TAG_SAFE}"
-              if [ "${PUSH_LATEST}" = "true" ]; then
+              if [ "${PUSH_LATEST:-true}" = "true" ]; then
                 dest_args="${dest_args} --destination ${HARBOR_REPO}:latest"
               fi
               /kaniko/executor \