Axed PABBSI insists on handling bodybuilding

Eva C. Komandjaja and Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta

The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI), which has been refused any further affiliation with the International Bodybuilding Federation (IBBF), is adamant that it will continue to handle the sport, despite the likelihood that its athletes will not be able to compete internationally.

"There is no urgency, our bodybuilders do not have to compete at international events just yet," PABBSI chairman Dharma Surya said after an internal meeting.

"The most important thing right now is how to popularize the sport at home. Then, we can start thinking about international events," he said.

PABBSI's dismissal from the Asian Bodybuilding Federation (ABBF) -- which is affiliated with the IBBF -- came into effect in September 2003. Consequently, PABBSI is not authorized anymore to send athletes to international events under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) -- such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Asian Games and the Olympics.

While Dharma did not seem perturbed by the bleak prospects that the athletes faced, he said there was little chance that bodybuilding would be included in the Asian or Olympic Games.

"Therefore, seeking an international affiliation under the IOC was almost unnecessary. I don't think the IOC will include bodybuilding as an Olympic sport, not within the next few years -- that's not possible," He said.

PABBSI's plight has prompted the National Sports Council (KONI) to send a letter to it, requesting clarification over its status. The request is timely as the ABBF has threatened to bar Indonesian athletes from international events if PABBSI is involved in the next National Games (PON) -- which will be held in Palembang, South Sumatra, in September.

It is possible that KONI will turn to the newly established Indonesian Bodybuilding Federation (FBI), which the ABBF and IBBF have already endorsed. KONI has not yet recognized the IBF as it was only established last year.

PABBSI secretary-general Alamsyah Wijaya cast aside concerns.

"KONI should not be afraid that ABBF will pose any threat. Even if we are refused participation in multi-events, like the Asian Games, our bodybuilders can still take part in international events that are purely for their sport," he said.

Alamsyah said PABBSI would also fight at all cost against KONI's plan to revoke PABBSI's membership.

Alamsyah said PABBSI was looking for new international affiliations to ensure its membership in KONI was maintained.

Spokesperson Liem Hok Seng said that three international bodybuilding organizations were mentioned at the meeting.

"We are still studying which one is perfect for us. We are looking for an association that gives us freedom, and does not restrict us from joining international events -- unlike ABBF," Liem said.

He refused to mention the names of the three international bodies, but he hinted that they were based in America and Asia.