Council protests KONI's actions

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)