SEA Games puzzle still lingers

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Hayono Isman has pledged to resolve the controversy over the amount of funds raised through sticker sales for the SEA Games.

"I will seek information from the four institutions involved in the sale of stickers for the SEA Games. This information will help the consortium's public accountant to present a report," Hayono said during a hearing with Commission VII for education, religion, sports and youth affairs at the House of Representatives Monday.

He was referring to the ministries of transportation and tourism, post and telecommunications, the state-owned electricity company, PLN, and the city revenue office.

Hayono expected the report from the consortium's public accountant would be presented next month or in April. "But we hope by March at the latest," he told the commission chaired by Zarkasih Noer.

Hayono thanked the four institutions for helping the consortium with sticker sales for the Games, held in Jakarta in October last year.

Stickers were compulsory along with payment of bills for telephone subscribers, including cellular phone users, electricity consumers, air transportation travelers and motorists extending their driving licenses.

Commission members were dissatisfied with the explanation, and urged a comprehensive report on the fund-raising to settle any lingering questions.

Zarkasih said punishment should be meted out if allegations of malfeasance in funds' handling were proven true.

"Officials involved in the fund-raising should be checked and, if necessary, we will ask the state auditor for its help. If it is discovered there are officials who have misused the funds, they will definitely be brought to trial," Zarkasih said.

Wismoyo Arismunandar, chairman of the Indonesian Sports Council who was present at the hearing Monday, said he hoped the legislators had not formed a negative opinion of the consortium.

The consortium contributed their funds for the running of the Games, he added.

"The consortium covered all costs for the SEA Games totaling Rp 156 billion. Now we are waiting for the (report on) funds from the four institutions conducting the fund-raising."

Wismoyo said he would agree to the consortium meeting with the commission if questions remained.

"The most important thing is don't think negatively of the consortium. The legislators are welcome to meet the consortium and discuss all matters on the SEA Games fund-raising," Wismoyo said. (lnt)