Council protests KONI's actions

BANDUNG (JP): West Java Legislative Council is protesting the National Sports Council (KONI) West Java chapter, which is holding back Rp 4.1 billion (US$361,711.50) allotted in the budget for sports organizations and an athletes development program.

The funds had been approved by the council and were included in the provincial budget.

"We were very shocked to hear that the available funds have yet to be distributed to sports organizations. This is very humiliating. How can athletes train to contribute gold medals for West Java in the 2004 National Games," Ruchiyat Noor, chairman of Council's Commission E on social welfare, said on Friday.

Provincial KONI chapter chairman Dedem Ruchlia said the organizations' failure to sell out sports events despite athletes' good achievement, and approval from the governor before the funds' distribution were the main factors for holding back the money. (25)