Political changes hurt sports bodies<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian sports are feeling the pinch of
\nfinancial shortages due in part to their heavy dependence on the
\npatronage of former president Soeharto's families and cronies, a
\nsports executive said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Deputy chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI), Arie
\nSudewo, said several sports organizations had drastically cut
\ntheir operational expenses, and some were in danger of collapse,
\nin the wake of the nationwide movement targeting the former first
\nfamily's web of businesses.<\/p>\n
\"It's impossible to say that we're not influenced at all (by
\nthe current political changes). Big businesses are having a
\ndifficult time, let alone sports organizations,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Arie did disclose which organizations were facing bankruptcy.<\/p>\n
Several sports organizations named former president Soeharto's
\nchildren and close business associates as patrons or executives
\nbecause of the influence their names commanded.<\/p>\n
Soeharto's daughters Siti Hardijanti Rukmana and Siti Hediati
\nPrabowo chair the national volleyball and table tennis
\nassociations respectively. Their brothers Bambang Trihatmodjo and
\nHutomo \"Tommy\" Mandala Putra have long been involved in shooting
\nand automotive sports associations each.<\/p>\n
Timber baron Mohammad \"Bob\" Hasan, one of Soeharto's closest
\nfriends, is a well-known sports enthusiast. His top post in both
\nthe national track and field and gymnastics associations gave
\ncredit to his involvement in international sports organizations
\nsuch as the Asian Athletics Amateur Association and the
\nInternational Olympics Committee.<\/p>\n
Arie said yesterday he worried about the future of the
\nfinancially troubled sports bodies.<\/p>\n
\"We have arranged an agenda to discuss the matter in our
\nmeeting to be held as soon as possible,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"But don't get me wrong, because we don't have any particular
\nreasons except that we are concerned about this problem. Learning
\nfrom the current circumstances, it must be difficult now to raise
\nfund for sports activities using those big names.\"<\/p>\n
Arie said the financial crisis would not cancel Indonesia's
\nparticipation in the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December. The
\nsports council will meet in August to decide the lineup of the
\nnational team for the Asiad. (emf)<\/p>",
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