Sports Minister Resigns Over Graft Allegation

President Jokowi answers questions from journalists on the resignation of Ministry of Youth and Sports in Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (19/9). Photo by: JAY/PR.

After being named as a suspect in a bribery case by anti-graft body the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi has resigned from his position.

“This morning I met with Pak Imam Nahrawi. I respect the legal proceedings conducted by the KPK that named him a suspect related to the grant for KONI (Indonesian Olympic Committee),” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo told reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (19/9).

The Minister, according to the President, has also submitted his resignation letter. “We will immediately appoint his successor or appoint an ad interim Minister,” he said.

The KPK on Wednesday (18/9) named Imam Nahrawi a suspect in a bribery case related to the grant from Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KONI) in fiscal year 2019.

Imam allegedly received Rp26.5 billion (US$1.9 million) in bribes from KONI and head of Satlak Prima (Gold Program), a national sporting program for elite athletes that was dissolved in 2018.

“The money was allegedly used for his personal interests and other parties involved,” KPK Deputy Chairperson Alexander Marwata said in a press conference at the KPK Building in South Jakarta, Wednesday (18/9). (FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Ersan Pamungkas