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)