SBY Hails Sports Minister's Resignation as 'Good Example'

Jakarta Globe, December 07, 2012

Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng testifying in the trial of ousted
 Democratic Party Treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin at the corruption court
in Jakarta on Feb. 22, 2012. (EPA Photo)   

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President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday that he respected and appreciated the decision of Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng to resign, hailing it as "a good example of responsibility shown by someone who is facing legal problems."

Yudhoyono said that as patron of the Democratic Party, he had also accepted Andi's resignation from the party's Board of Patrons.

Andi, who was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday over the Hambalang sports center graft case, is the first active government minister to resign over suspicion of corruption.

Yudhoyono said that Andi, who used to be his spokesman, cited three reasons for resigning. First, his inability to perform his duties effectively after being slapped with a travel ban; second, to not disturb the performance of the cabinet and not be a burden to his fellow ministers and the president; and lastly, to be able to concentrate on facing his legal problems.

"After listening carefully, and reading the letter of resignation, I have accepted and approved the resignation," Yudhoyono said in a televised press conference shortly before noon on Friday.

"I hope that justice can be upheld fairly and truthfully in this country," he added.

KPK chairman Abraham Samad announced on Thursday that Andi was named a suspect on Dec. 3 for abuse of power to benefit himself or others, and causing losses to the state. The charge carries up to 20 years in jail and fines of up to Rp 1 billion.

The suspicion was related to the Hambalang sports center graft case. The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), which performed an audit on the project, said it was full of irregularities that had potentially cost the state up to Rp 243 billion in losses.

The results of the audit also showed that Andi was responsible for presiding over procedural malpractice related to his ministry’s budgeting. The minister allowed his secretary, Wafid Muharram, to sign the Hambalang procurement contract, against a government regulation requiring contracts of more than Rp 50 billion to be signed by the minister.

Andi has maintained his innocence.

"I am certain that the many accusations that have been leveled against me are not true," Andi said on Friday morning after announcing his resignation, adding that he hoped that "truth and justice" would eventually prevail.

He also said that he had yet to receive an official copy of the travel ban imposed on him or the document declaring him a graft suspect.

"I respect the decision of the KPK and will follow whatever legal process is necessary. I am ready to fully cooperate in settling this Hambalang case," Andi said.

"Whoever is guilty should legally be held responsible, but those who are not guilty should also be declared not guilty," he said.

Andi, a US-educated political scientist, has been known as a close adviser to the president on certain political issues. He is also said to be very close with Yudhoyono’s family.