T

he Bakrie Group, a diversified business conglomerate controlled by the family of Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie, will likely become the new owner of Arema Indonesia, one of Indonesia’s favorite soccer clubs, which is currently experiencing financial and managerial distress.

Arema Foundation patron Rendra Krisna confirmed the purchase, however, refused to disclose when the official verification would be announced.

“It has been made 95 percent sure that the Bakrie Group will take over the management of Arema Indonesia. They are deciding upon the right timing to announce it to the public. The decision was made, among many things, because the group has been supporting the club over the years through Ijen Nirwana [property company] in Malang,” Rendra said Friday as quoted by kompas.com.

When asked about the value of the purchase, Rendra declined to comment. “The group is ready to administer the club. The first thing for Arema to do is settle delayed payments to players worth about Rp 5 billion [US$583,226],” he said.

Rendra said that the new investor would also cover Arema debt worth Rp 10 billion, which is believed to be the total owed until the end of the 2010-2011 Indonesian Soccer League season. “The funding will automatically be cashed in after the acquisition contract is signed.”

After settling players’ payment and debts, the new owner would reorganize Arema’s management, said the Malang regent.

“Arema has gained a name in Indonesia and Asia as well. It should have been become the ideal role model for other clubs,” he added.

Batu mayor Edi Rumpoko said that he was ready to help in managing Arema.

“My father [Sugino] was one of the club’s founders. It is a common thing for me to have deep concern and willingness to support Arema,” said Edi, adding that under his lead, Arema should relocate its base camp to Batu.

There has been widespread gossip that the Bakrie Group disbursed Rp 4 billion on Wednesday to pay players’ salaries, which had been delayed for two and a half months.

Arema Foundation chief M. Nur previously valued the club at Rp 20 billion and asked that any new official sponsors continue to keep the club in Malang.

Despite being a very popular Indonesian soccer club, Arema is reportedly also riddled with internal conflicts, which include, among others, allegations of financial mismanagement.

Arema Indonesia is currently ranked third in the Indonesian Super League after Persipura Jayapura and Persija Jakarta.