FBI replaces PABBSI's affiliation in ABBF, IBBF

FBI replaces PABBSI's affiliation in ABBF, IBBF

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian Bodybuilding Federation (FBI), which was
established in June to rival the long-standing the Indonesian
Weight Lifting, Power Lifting and Bodybuilding Association
(PABBSI), has become the official Indonesian representative
member of the Asian Bodybuilding Federation (ABBF), said a top
official at FBI.

"At the recent congress in Kazakhstan, the ABBF officially
endorsed our membership to replace PABBSI," FBI secretary-general
Steve Tengko told The Jakarta Post.

The Asian federation and the International Bodybuilding
Federation (IBBF) both revoked PABBSI's membership after the
Indonesian federation was found to support Musclemania contests,
which the two federations do not endorse.

Steve said PABBSI had received its membership revocation
letter on Sept. 8, but this was denied by PABBSI chairman Darma
Surya during a meeting with the Indonesian Sports Council (KONI).

PABBSI had also defied the federations' call to allow the
bodybuilding division to be managed by a separate body to meet
the international rule.

"All participating delegations from 24 countries unanimously
agreed to FBI's membership," said Steve, who was among the six-
strong Indonesian delegation.

The ABBF Congress was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from Sept.
24 to 29. PABBSI was also given opportunity to make its defense
at the congress, but it apparently did not respond to the
invitation.

Tengko said they would meet with KONI on Thursday to discuss
the fate of Indonesian bodybuilding hopefuls currently preparing
for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Vietnam.

"Because it is stated in the rule, only athletes of an
organization sanctioned by an international body are allowed to
compete in the games," he said.