Badminton players, coaches earn their cash bonuses

JAKARTA (JP): A cash bonus presentation capped the national badminton team's Thomas Cup victory celebration Wednesday, with each member receiving between Rp 20 million (US$2,000) and Rp 60 million.

The rewards, totaling Rp 1.34 billion, were taken from a Rp 7.4 billion fund raised earlier this month by the country's businesspeople with long ties with the Badminton Association of Indonesia.

Each Thomas Cup men's team member earned Rp 60 million for their success in defending the title. Their female teammates, who lost 1-4 to China in the Uber Cup final Saturday, received Rp 40 million each.

Officials, including coaches, were not left empty-handed as each of them received a Rp 20 million consolation bonus.

Indonesia sent 20 players of both sexes plus 17 officials to the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup events in Hong Kong. The men's team lifted Indonesia to a record 11th title with a 3-2 win over Malaysia in Sunday's final.

The badminton squad joined a victory parade on Tuesday, just hours after their overnight arrival.

Deputy chairman of the badminton association, Agus Wirahadikusumah, said the cash bonuses were token gifts for tight-knit teamwork by the players and officials.

"Don't count the amount because it's not a salary. It's instead a token of our appreciation for your hard work," Agus was quoted by Kompas as telling the team members at the association's office in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

He said bonus allocations were decided in a thorough and open discussion between the association's executives and shuttlers.

Agus, who was also team manager in the biennial tournament, said the association considered giving each player an equal amount, but some players and officials objected it was unfair.

Top women's singles player Susi Susanti said she was content with the amount she received.

"I think everybody got a fair amount. I'm happy with the way we decided it. Such an openness will avoid any grumbles or mutterings in the future," Susi said.

Thomas Cup hero Hendrawan also said he was satisfied.

"I think we all agree with the decision. It's not good therefore to complain about what we have reached from the discussion," he said. (emf)