24 January 2011
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) could be criminalized if they refuse to reveal information on 2010 AFF Cup to the public.
The Save Our Soccer (SOS) coalition that consists of Freedom of Information Network, public figures and supporters network have issued a letter to PSSI to demand transparency in 2010 AFF Cup tickets.
SOS coordinator Bejo Untung said PSSI did poorly in managing AFF Cup ticket. “Unrest occurred when soccer lovers wanted to get tickets. At the same time, PSSI gave free tickets to several officials who did not even have to queue,” Bejo told reporters.
Bejo said SOS had received at least 400 information request letters from people from various backgrounds.
“These letters are not only from Java, but also Sumatera, Kalimantan, Bali, NTT, NTB, Sulawesi, Papua and Maluku,” said Bejo.
On that basis, Bejo hoped PSSI will reveal the information because the request is based on Law No. 14/2008 about public information openness (UU KIP).
“The law states that every agency that receives funds from the state budget is obligated to reveal information to the public. PSSI is a public body that must be transparent. Therefore, we have sent a letter to PSSI to request information related to AFF Cup,” said Bejo.
Meanwhile, Indonesia Corruption Watch researcher Tama S Langkun said PSSI could be criminalized if they don’t reveal the information.
“We gave 10 days to reply the letter. After that, we’ll give 30 days. If there is no response, we will file a dispute. They will have 14 days to appeal. If there is no appeal, then they will have to reveal the information,” said Tama.
“However, if PSSI refuse to reveal the information, they can be criminalized because the information is public information. The punishment is three years in prison,” said Tama.
http://id.kebebasaninformasi.org/2011/01/24/pssi-terancam-dipidanakan/