'Detak' apologizes for report: Wismoyo
JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar announced on Wednesday representatives of Detak tabloid met with him to apologize for its report alleging his involvement in the Bank Bali scandal.
"Detak formally apologized to me today (Wednesday)," he said during a ceremony to install new officials of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI). However, he refused to provide details of the meeting.
Wismoyo emphasized in his speech that he never received funds from any persons allegedly involved in the scandal.
"I have never been involved in any scandal. I'm not even aware of the existence of PT Gelora Raya Dana Abadi. I have never received financial support (from anyone allegedly connected with the scandal). I'm not a coward. If I knew about it, I would admit it," he said.
Wismoyo was linked to PT Gelora Raya Dana Abadi in the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit of the transactions relating to the scandal. PT Gelora reportedly is owned by Soeharto's daughter Titiek Prabowo and Wismoyo. The company allegedly received about Rp 100 billion from Arung Gauk Jerre, an associate of the former state minister of the empowerment of state enterprises Tanri Abeng, who also is the chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association.
PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar threw his weight behind Wismoyo, saying he believed the retired four-star general was innocent.
"I know Pak Wismoyo because he was my commander (in the Army's Special Force). I'm very upset to hear this news. I keep asking myself whether Pak Wismoyo would do such a thing. As far as I know, he is not that kind of person," said Agum, who also is minister of transportation.
KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo said earlier on Wednesday the council still trusted Wismoyo and treasurer Setya Novanto, who also is alleged to be involved in the scandal.
"We will stick to the presumption of innocence for both officials until it is proven otherwise. In the meantime, we won't take any action," he said.
Setya Novanto, Golkar's deputy treasurer, was named a suspect in the scandal, which centers on the transfer of Rp 546 billion (around US$80.3 million) from Bank Bali to PT Era Giat Prima (EGP), a company controlled by Setya and Mulia Group head Djoko S. Tjandra.
The fee was paid for EGP's services in helping the bank recoup some $120 million in interbank loans on closed banks, which were guaranteed by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency.
KONI is setting up a legal team to find if there is any evidence linking Wismoyo to the scandal. The team, comprising KONI's legal, media and promotional commissions, is chaired by Arie.
"The legal commission has started to work on it but up to now I haven't received any progress reports on their investigation," Arie said. "Pak Wismoyo has denied his involvement with PT Gelora and we, the officials, trust him."
Arie also said Novanto would keep his post as KONI's treasurer despite being named a suspect.
"Pak Novanto has yet to be declared guilty and we found out that he is still able to perform his duties. Besides, he also has his deputy ECW Neloe who could replace him," he said.
Separately, KONI official in charge of planning and budgeting Togi Hutagaol said the council provided a Rp 800 million budget to finance preparations for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
"The money was taken from some divisions' budgets because we have yet to receive money from state enterprises," he said.
KONI drew up a budget of Rp 6.9 billion to organize a centralized training center, send athletes abroad for training and send athletes to the Olympics.
Togi said Wismoyo, as vice chairman of the Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS), promised BPGS would financially support KONI.
"KONI is trying to lobby BPGS to help us, but I can't predict the amount of money," he said.
State enterprises promised to provide KONI with Rp 7 billion. About Rp 3.5 billion of this amount was used to send athletes to the 20th Southeast Asian Games in Brunei Darussalam in August and provide insurance and cash bonuses for Games medalists.
Togi said KONI had yet to receive the other Rp 3.5 billion.
"We will receive the rest when the state enterprises have audited our financial report," he said. The state enterprises planned to perform the audit on Monday, but its auditors did not arrive until Wednesday. (ivy/yan)