Mandala Krida Corruption Case Unresolved, Erick Thohir Helps Bridge Communication with KPK

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has highlighted the incomplete facilities at Mandala Krida Stadium, where renovation remains hampered by an unresolved corruption case. One of the main issues he noted was the absence of stadium lighting. “It’s a shame there are no adequate lighting facilities, because the stadium is nice,” Thohir said during a visit to the stadium in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. He revealed he has initiated discussions with the regional government, stating that the central government is attempting to bridge communication with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) so that infrastructure improvements can proceed in accordance with legal provisions. “I have spoken with the regional government. There are some issues with the KPK that we need to look into to find a solution, so that the infrastructure previously built by the regional government can be further improved,” he said. According to Thohir, resolving the legal status is crucial, as a clear legal basis would allow renovations or the addition of supporting facilities to go ahead. “So if there is new investment, such as lighting and other things, at least there is a legal basis, because I heard there was a previous case. We from the central government will try to bridge the gap between the region’s involvement and the KPK,” he stressed. The case originated from a decision by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), which found collusion in the Mandala Krida Stadium construction project for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The KPPU ruling was delivered in December 2018. The KPK subsequently named three suspects in the alleged corruption case: Edy Wahyudi, Sugiharto, and Heri Sukamto. The alleged corruption is estimated to have caused state losses of around Rp 31.7 billion. The Yogyakarta regional government, through its Education, Youth and Sports Agency, wrote to the KPK in July 2025 regarding the stadium’s legal status, hoping renovations could proceed in 2026. KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto previously stated that although the stadium is currently under seizure, parties requiring its use could submit a request to the KPK.