Bambang resigns as chess body chairman

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)