Chairul and Justian jostle for top PBSI post

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Rivalry for the top position at the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has grown fiercer, as the Jakarta chapter claimed on Wednesday that it had obtained more support for its candidate Justian Hadinata.

"After studying Justian's program presented during a meeting last Friday, PBSI Lampung chapter threw its weight behind him," Jakarta chapter spokesman, Icuk Sugiarto said on Wednesday.

"We also received support from several other chapters. But we can't publicize that yet as they haven't yet made it official."

The chapters had previously supported businessman Chairul Tanjung, who confirmed on Tuesday his commitment to lead the association during last Friday's meeting sponsored by the West Java, East Java and Irian Jaya chapters.

PBSI will elect its new chairman, to replace Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, during a national congress to be held between Nov. 2 and Nov. 4 at Hotel Indonesia, Central Jakarta.

Lampung claimed on Tuesday that it was under pressure to agree the nomination of Chairul, the owner of Bank Mega, during the meeting.

"Lampung's decision to change its mind proved that our competitor has engaged in money politics," said Icuk, a former world champion.

"On the other hand, Jakarta will make only informal approaches to other chapters to secure its candidate."

Chairul denied allegations that he had used financial pressure in his campaign.

"Badminton is not my forte, but several PBSI chapters have approached me and asked me to take the association's helm. They said I am the right candidate for the post," he told reporters.

"I perceive it as the call of duty for me as an Indonesian citizen and that's why I have accepted the nomination," he added.

Chairul also said that so far, badminton was the only sport with the most realistic chance of contributing Olympic gold medals to Indonesia.

"Now that our strength is on the decline, we must do something to regain our supremacy."

"We can only achieve that if all chapters and the badminton community are united behind me to take on this great task," he said.

Chairul's nomination is sponsored by the West Java, East Java and Irian Jaya chapters. They claimed to have received support from 10 other chapters last Friday.

"Being PBSI chairman is not my dream. But as several chapters asked me to be nominated, I think it is my duty to respond," Chairul said.

"Therefore, I will not engage in money politics to secure the post."

Chairul, who also owns Trans TV channel, said he would do his best to generate income for PBSI.

"I am a businessman, and how to earn money every day is already in my blood. I will do my best to secure the necessary funds and I am sure I can do it," he said.

"But on the other hand, I have my own responsibilities to my employees so I shall not mix business and badminton. I shall not let my involvement in badminton ruin my business."

Former PBSI executive Justian Suhandinata said he had accepted his nomination by the Jakarta chapter. Unlike Chairul, Justian has a deep-rooted involvement with badminton, both as a player and an official. He also runs a badminton club while engaging in his business activities.