T

he Golkar Party wants rival Democratic Party politician Andi Mallarangeng to be prosecuted for his alleged role in the corruption scandal surrounding the Rp 1.2 trillion (US$124.8 million) Hambalang sports center.

According to an investigative audit conducted by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the failure of Andi, who is the youth and sports minister, to follow regulations on government projects led to the bribery and kickbacks that have plagued the project.

“The BPK’s audit clearly mentioned that he [Andi] failed to perform his duty, which eventually led to corrupt practices,” Golkar politician Hajriyanto Tohari told the press on the sidelines of a meeting at the party’s West Jakarta headquarters on Friday.

He added that law enforcement institutions, particularly the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), needed to quickly declare Andi a suspect for his role in
the case.

Hajriyanto, who is also a deputy speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), told lawmakers not to contest the findings of the BPK’s audit.

“Stop arguing. It’s all clear. It’s now the job of law enforcers to follow up on the audit,” he said.

Similarly, Golkar chairman Aburizal “Ical” Bakrie said the he expected law enforcers to do their job, while giving the minister the presumption of innocence.

“We encourage law enforcement institutions to act upon corruption cases that have been clearly revealed. Fight corruption to the roots. Nonetheless, I suggest that all parties, including the media, not judge someone who has yet to be legally proven guilty,” he said.

In an audit that was recently submitted to the House of Representatives, the BPK said that Andi’s lack of oversight allowed the ministry’s previous secretary, identified as WM, to control crucial parts of the construction project, including a proposal for a multi-year contract that was later given to Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo.

According to the audit, Agus also failed to exercise his oversight authority by approving a budget proposal from the Youth and Sports Ministry without seeking clarification from Andi.

Andi has previously said that he would cooperate with the BPK and law enforcement agencies. “I’m ready to take the responsibility if proven guilty,” he said.