Novanto pledges commitment to KONI<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) treasurer Setya
\nNovanto promised to continue his work as the council's treasurer
\ndespite his alleged involvement in the Bank Bali scandal.<\/p>\n
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday before meeting with KONI
\nchairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, Novanto said the scandal would not
\neffect his work as KONI treasurer.<\/p>\n
\"I can delegate my work to my deputy and staff. Twice a week,
\nI come to KONI to check the financial reports. Every day my staff
\ncomes to my house to submit reports and take the ones I have
\napproved,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Novanto, who is also Golkar Party deputy treasurer, has been
\nnamed a suspect in the bank scandal, which centers on a Rp 546
\nbillion (about US$80 million) commission paid to PT Era Giat
\nPrima (EGP) by Bank Bali. EGP is controlled by Novanto and Mulia
\nGroup head Djoko S. Tjandra.<\/p>\n
The commission was paid to EGP for its assistance in recouping
\nRp 946 billion in interbank claims on closed banks under the
\ncontrol of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency.<\/p>\n
Last month, KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo said KONI would
\ntake no action against Novanto until he was found guilty in a
\ncourt of law.<\/p>\n
\"Pak Novanto has yet to be found guilty and we found that he
\nis still able to perform his duties. Besides, he also has his
\ndeputy ECW Neloe who can replace him,\" Arie said.<\/p>\n
Novanto, a House of Representatives legislator, also said he
\nknew nothing about PT Gelora Raya Dian Abadi, which has been
\nlinked to the scandal. PT Gelora is reportedly owned by Wismoyo
\nand former president Soeharto's daughter Titiek Prabowo.<\/p>\n
The company allegedly received some Rp 100 billion from Arung
\nGauk Jerre, an associate of former state minister of the
\nempowerment of state enterprises Tanri Abeng, who also is the
\nchairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association.<\/p>\n
\"I think it's about misinterpretation. I have checked with Pak
\nWismoyo and he said that he knew nothing about the company. I
\nalso checked with Pak Arung and he said he had no connection to
\nPak Wismoyo,\" Novanto said.<\/p>\n
\"This kind of misunderstanding needs to be clarified because
\nit's about our reputations,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Novanto also said he would release KONI's annual financial
\nreport in February or March 2000.<\/p>\n
\"We should have published it early this year but the approval
\nfrom KONI's top officials came two months after the deadline.
\nThat's why we decided not to publish the report,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Novanto said allegations of his involvement in the Bank Bali
\nscandal had caused suffering to his family and impacted his
\nbusiness.<\/p>\n
\"It's difficult to make business deals now because people are
\nlooking at me as if I am a bank robber. I have really suffered
\nbecause of the reports. However, it doesn't influence my weight,\"
\nhe said with a laugh. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/novanto-pledges-commitment-to-koni-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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