Bambang resigns as chess body chairman

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) chairman, Bambang N. Rachmadi, has resigned from his post and has handed the job over to executive director Machnan R. Kamaluddin.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Machnan said his taking over the chairmanship was only temporary and he would have to wait for Percasi provincial chapters if they wanted to stage a special congress following the succession.

"I will only act as Percasi's caretaker chairman until I receive approval from our chapters, if they can accept me as the acting chairman or if they want a special congress to elect a new chairman," Machnan said.

Bambang, who runs a McDonald's fast-food Indonesia franchise, has chaired Percasi for 10 months, since April last. He said in a news release that his withdrawal from the organization was to concentrate more on his business.

"I withdrew from Percasi because I want to concentrate more on my McDonald's business. Nevertheless, it does not mean I will not pay attention to Percasi or to chess, I will always give a hand if required," the statement said.

Machnan said Bambang had done a lot for Percasi and chess development nationwide. He was also surprised that Bambang's resignation came suddenly, at a time when Percasi needed him.

"Bambang submitted his resignation on Monday and he directly handed his chairmanship over to me. I will do my best to lead Percasi," Machnan said.

According to Machnan, Bambang resigned because he could not stand criticism against him. But Machnan declined to mention the critics. "This is very personal so I think we should not talk about the criticism against Bambang."

Separately, the National Sports Council (KONI) secretary- general, Rudolf S Warouw, expressed regret over Bambang's resignation.

"I tried to contact him by phone today but his secretary said Pak Bambang was on a business trip abroad. KONI really regrets his resignation because he was a good figure in helping to boost chess development in the country," he said.

Meanwhile, the chess school, Enerpac, will hold a Fair Play Open Tournament from March 9 to March 17 at the school's building on Jl. Siliwangi 15, East Bekasi.

Seven regions will participate in the tournament in which a total cash prize of Rp 9 million is at stake.

The tournament is divided into two groups, the first with players above the national elo rating of 2200 and the second with those having an elo rating below 2200.

State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela is expected to open the tournament. (lnt/yan)