Djohar replaces outgoing Oyong at KONI

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Djohar Arifin Husin is the new secretary-general of the National Sports Council (KONI) in a reshuffle announced here on Tuesday, following the recent departure of the organization's two top officials.

The reshuffle, which saw a total of nine officials moving into new posts, was announced by KONI chairman Agum Gumelar.

"This (reshuffle) resulted from a week of deliberation on the new KONI board following the resignations of Oyong (Karmayudha) and Irawadi (Hanafi)," Agum, who is also the chairman of the Soccer Association of Indonesia, said.

There was some concern about whether Djohar, a professor at Medan State University, would have the time to devote to the secretary-general post, given that he lives in Medan.

"I have consulted with Minister of National Education Malik Fadjar and Djohar will be allowed to move to Jakarta and take up an educational-related posting at the ministry," Agum said.

He said that Djohar, who is also the head of the PSSI and KONI chapters in North Sumatra, would move to Jakarta on July 1, automatically relinquishing his posts in Medan.

The 53-year-old, who was formerly in charge of research and development at KONI, was promoted to this new post to replace Oyong Karmayudha, who resigned last week in the wake of a scandal over the transfer of some funds.

Also resigning was Irawadi D. Hanafi, whose position as deputy treasurer has been assumed by Franciscus Welirang.

Oyong and Irawadi resigned over the transfer of Rp 4 billion (US$500,000) from a KONI bank account to a bank account belonging to PSSI, where Irawadi is the treasurer.

While the money has been transferred back to KONI, the scandal cost Oyong and Irawadi their positions with the National Sports Council after they were judged to have breached the code of the organization for not notifying Agum of the transfer.

Agum warned on Tuesday against a repeat of such actions, promising to punish anyone who broke the organization's rules.

"I hope we can learn a lesson from this case. Do not repeat the same mistake. Hopefully, the organization will become more solid and have good teamwork among officials."

Another result of the reshuffle is that Kusnan Ismukanto's role as head of overseas relationships has been handed over to Timbul Thomas Lubis.

Kusnan takes over the research and development post vacated by Djohar.