TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi officially stepped down from his position after his suspect-naming by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in relation to the misuse of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) grant.

As of Thursday morning, Imam’s resignation letter has reached President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“I already received his resignation letter,” said the President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace today in Jakarta. According to the president, Imam Nahrawi personally delivered his resignation letter.

The president announced he will later decide whether to immediately name a replacement or appoint someone as the ministry’s task executor but also took the chance to assert his utmost respect for the suspect-naming from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to one of his State Ministers.

“I respect KPK’s decision for [Imam’s] suspect naming in relation to the misuse of the KONI grant,” said the former Jakarta governor.

Minister Imam is believed to have accepted Rp14.7 billion from his assistant from 2014 – 2018. He is also believed to have accepted graft up to Rp11.8 billion from 2016-2018, which amounts to Rp26.5 billion.

According to KPK Deputy Alexander Marwata on Wednesday, some of the money Imam Nahrawi received is linked to the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) grant back in 2018. He is believed to have used the grant and abused his authority for personal interests.

FRISKI RIANA