President Accepts Sports Minister's Resignation

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, at a press conference here on Friday, stated that he had accepted the resignation of Sports Minister Andi Malarangeng.

Andi resigned after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him as a suspect in the Hambalang sports centre graft case, which caused the state losses of Rp246.6 billion. The minister, who is also a high-ranking official at the ruling Democrat Party, said he wanted to concentrate on the legal case filed against him.

"I accept the minister's resignation. I appreciate his initiative to resign and I hope justice will be implemented in this case," the President said.  

The Hambalang case has turned into a controversial issue as it has implicated several political figures. The problem was first revealed by former Democrat Party treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin, who is now in jail after being convicted of corruption.

According to an audit conducted by the Audit Supreme Agency (BPK) recently, Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng and Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo were found responsible for the misuse of funds in connection with the construction of the national sports education centre in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java. (IGT/T007)