Indonesian House Speaker Steps Down

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Setya Novanto resigned here on Wednesday (Dec 16, 2105) while the DPRs Ethics Council (MKD) was carrying out its session over Novantos alleged violation of ethic.

Previously, the MKD summoned PT FI President Director Maroef Syamsoeddin and businessmen Muhammad Riza Chalid to testify as witnesses in the MKD session on Thursday (Dec. 3).

But, only Syamsoeddin came, while Riza Chalid was reportedly out of the the country.

The Tribunal will again call Riza Chalid on Monday (Dec. 7).

Earlier, the tribunal called Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said to testify regarding the transcript of the talks between the president director of PT FI and House Speaker Setya Novanto.

The MKD heard Minister Saids explanation on Wednesday in connection with his complaint that Novanto had allegedly used the names of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to get a stake in PT Freeport for his personal gains.

The transcript that has been handed over to the MKD by Minister Said, revealed that Novanto asked for a share in PT Freeport Indonesia in exchange of support for the U.S. mining company in seeking renewal of its contract, according to reports.

Novanto reportedly used the name of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla to convince Freeport.

Freeport Indonesia, which has large copper and gold mines in Papua is seeking to renew its contract of works which would expired in 2021. (WDY)