Chairul and Justian jostle for top PBSI post

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.