Novanto pledges commitment to KONI
JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) treasurer Setya Novanto promised to continue his work as the council's treasurer despite his alleged involvement in the Bank Bali scandal.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday before meeting with KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, Novanto said the scandal would not effect his work as KONI treasurer.
"I can delegate my work to my deputy and staff. Twice a week, I come to KONI to check the financial reports. Every day my staff comes to my house to submit reports and take the ones I have approved," he said.
Novanto, who is also Golkar Party deputy treasurer, has been named a suspect in the bank scandal, which centers on a Rp 546 billion (about US$80 million) commission paid to PT Era Giat Prima (EGP) by Bank Bali. EGP is controlled by Novanto and Mulia Group head Djoko S. Tjandra.
The commission was paid to EGP for its assistance in recouping Rp 946 billion in interbank claims on closed banks under the control of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency.
Last month, KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo said KONI would take no action against Novanto until he was found guilty in a court of law.
"Pak Novanto has yet to be found guilty and we found that he is still able to perform his duties. Besides, he also has his deputy ECW Neloe who can replace him," Arie said.
Novanto, a House of Representatives legislator, also said he knew nothing about PT Gelora Raya Dian Abadi, which has been linked to the scandal. PT Gelora is reportedly owned by Wismoyo and former president Soeharto's daughter Titiek Prabowo.
The company allegedly received some Rp 100 billion from Arung Gauk Jerre, an associate of former state minister of the empowerment of state enterprises Tanri Abeng, who also is the chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association.
"I think it's about misinterpretation. I have checked with Pak Wismoyo and he said that he knew nothing about the company. I also checked with Pak Arung and he said he had no connection to Pak Wismoyo," Novanto said.
"This kind of misunderstanding needs to be clarified because it's about our reputations," he said.
Novanto also said he would release KONI's annual financial report in February or March 2000.
"We should have published it early this year but the approval from KONI's top officials came two months after the deadline. That's why we decided not to publish the report," he said.
Novanto said allegations of his involvement in the Bank Bali scandal had caused suffering to his family and impacted his business.
"It's difficult to make business deals now because people are looking at me as if I am a bank robber. I have really suffered because of the reports. However, it doesn't influence my weight," he said with a laugh. (yan)