Gen. Wiranto names new Inkai board

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki) chairman, Gen. Wiranto, installed Sunday the new executive board for the Indonesian Karate-do Institute (Inkai), calling on them to boost the development of the sport nationwide.

"The former board has done a good job, but I urge the new executives to make the sport a popular one among people," Wiranto, who is minister of security and defense and Armed Forces commander, said.

"By attracting youths to learn karate, we can curb student brawls."

Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri was elected the new Inkai chairman for the 1997/2001 term, replacing Lt. Gen. (ret) HBL Mantiri. Adam is currently the Army Strategic Reserve Command's first division commander.

Damiri pledged after his induction that he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor to encourage more people to take up the Japanese martial art.

"I will always consult with Pak Mantiri, just because the job is new for me," Adam said. (lnt)