Djohar replaces outgoing Oyong at KONI

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.