RI team told to ignore East Timor protests<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Athletes representing Indonesia at the Arafura
\nGames in Darwin, Australia, in two weeks must ignore protests on
\nEast Timor's integration, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official
\nsaid yesterday.<\/p>\n
"Anti-integration groups usually wave banners and yell rude
\nwords about East Timor's integration. We must stay calm and
\nignore their protests," said Budidoyo, the director for security
\nand management of Indonesians abroad.<\/p>\n
Antara reported that the 78-strong team of 10 track and field
\nathletes, eight shuttlers, six swimmers, four gymnasts, four
\nsepak takraw athletes, 36 softballers and 10 boxers would compete
\nat the Games from May 10 to May 17. Nineteen officials would
\naccompany them.<\/p>\n
Budidoyo said the protesters intended to anger Indonesians and
\nmake them strike out, thereby embarrassing them.<\/p>\n
"It doesn't mean that Darwin is unsafe for the Indonesian
\ncontingent. The Northern Territory government has promised
\nmaximum security for all participants at the Games," he said.<\/p>\n
He told athletes to concentrate on their performances at the
\nbiennial event.<\/p>\n
"You must not to worry about the protests because the
\nadministration has guaranteed your safety," he said.<\/p>\n
The Northern Territory government is trying hard to make the
\nGames, which is expected to draw 4,500 athletes from 29
\ncountries, the biggest multi-sports event in the Asia Pacific.<\/p>\n
Indra Djati Sidi, the team's chief, said the team had no medal
\ntargets since it had missed the last Games in 1995.<\/p>\n
"In 1991 and 1993, Bali and East Timor represented Indonesia
\nbut we were absent in 1995 because of protests on East Timor's
\nintegration," he said.<\/p>\n
Some local sports organizations have said they hope their
\nathletes will benefit from the event for the 19th SEA Games here
\nfrom Oct. 11 to Oct. 19. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-team-told-to-ignore-east-timor-protests-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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