E. Timorese athletes to wait for MPR rule

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono said on Monday East Timorese athletes could choose between serving their country or moving to Indonesia if the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) formalizes the separation.

"If there is no decree from the MPR, our country still consists of 27 provinces," he said.

East Timorese voted on Saturday against integration with Indonesia, paving the way to an end of Jakarta's 24-year rule of the 27th province.

The MPR is expected to endorse the separation in a meeting in November when it will also elect a new president. President B.J. Habibie had indicated a formal separation could begin as of Jan. 1, 2000.

Separately, National Sports Council (KONI) deputy chairman Arie Sudewo refused to comment on the status of East Timorese athletes, saying KONI would wait for the MPR decision.

"We will wait for the MPR decision. We don't want to come before them. Besides, our decision should be in tune with the government's policy," he said on Monday.

The contribution of East Timorese to national sports achievements is particularly notable in track events. Local popular athletes include Sebastian DaCosta (tennis) and Miro Baldo Bento (soccer). (ivy)