Novanto pledges commitment to KONI

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)