Djoko unsure of contesting KONI top post

Djoko unsure of contesting KONI top post

JAKARTA (JP): Djoko Pramono showed on Thursday his lack of
enthusiasm for joining the race to become the National Sports
Council's next chairman, despite being hailed as a strong
contender for the position.

"It is not our culture to show off. People will brand me
arrogant and overconfident, or worse they will think I am
challenging the incumbent chairman," he told reporters after an
Asian Games evaluation meeting at the council's office.

"But if people think that I am capable of leading the council
and they nominate me for the position, I would not mind that at
all," he added.

Djoko, who is also the chairman of the Indonesian Scuba Diving
Association, is a former Marine Corps commander. He is currently
the Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and
Tourism.

He was appointed the national team training director for the
19th Southeast Asian Games held in Jakarta in 1997. Indonesia
reigned supreme at the biennial event, besting arch rival
Thailand by winning 194 golds, 101 silvers and 115 bronzes.

Incumbent KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, a former Army
chief of staff, will end his term next month. Like Djoko, Wismoyo
has declined to nominate himself for another four-year term,
opting to wait for the election which will be held during a
congress here from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25.

Indonesian Archery Association chairman Hayono Isman named
Djoko as Wismoyo's main rival in the race. Hayono, former state
minister of youth affairs and sports, said he would not join the
race for the national sports council's top post.

Djoko said Thursday he had not thought of becoming the
council's chairman.

"I have never dreamt of it. But if I am chosen I will be
ready. I'm a soldier, so I have to be prepared for any national
duties," he said. (yan)