Government urged to bypass KONI, fund sports bodies directly
Government urged to bypass KONI, fund sports bodies directly
JAKARTA (JP): A sports observer is urging the government to
funnel its funds for sports development from the National
Development and Planning Board (Bappenas) directly to sports
organizations, bypassing the National Sports Council (KONI).
The appeal comes as the country's sports community conducts
serious soul-searching after its humiliating third-place finish
in the medal tally at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in
Brunei Darussalam two weeks ago. It was the country's worst
finish in the event since its debut in 1977.
Games defending champion Indonesia won 44 golds, far off its
target of 70. Archrival Thailand was the top medal-winner, with
Malaysia usurping Indonesia for second place.
Benny Mailili said on Wednesday that if the government was
truly concerned with sports development, it must declare its
conviction in the State Policy Guidelines and include funding for
sports in the State Budget.
"Let's say the government doesn't have to finance all sports
organizations' programs but only 10. If it can providing funding
of Rp 1 billion (US$130,300) to each, then the government would
only needs Rp 10 billion to groom the 10 prioritized sports,"
said Benny, who is the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti)
deputy secretary-general.
"If sports organizations get Rp 1 billion a year, I believe
they can groom their athletes all year long and intensify
domestic competitions, I believe the public will be interested in
sports again."
He faulted the disbursement of the money through the sports
council.
"Thus far, Bappenas has dispensed the funds to KONI which uses
the money to stage training programs only a few months prior to a
multisports event. It's ineffective and a waste of money."
For the Brunei Games, KONI spent Rp 10.5 billion on
transportation of the contingent and holding three-month-long
training programs.
Benny said KONI officials must be willing to reform their
organization and themselves for the sake of national sports
development.
"KONI's role in the sports community is only as a facilitator
and mediator among sports organizations and to communicate with
the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"We need professionals in KONI who understand each sports
organization's programs and characteristics. If they are really
serious to take our failure as a reflection on our development
system, they must start the training programs for the 2001 SEA
Games and the 2002 Asian Games from now."
Benny said the Ministry of Education and Culture was not doing
enough to popularize sports among the country's youth.
"The ministry should have increased the quantity of the
physical education curriculum in schools to let the students
enjoy sports and build their character. Nowadays, the government
only pays attention to the top level athletes and not to young
talents."
Benny dismissed the evaluation held on Tuesday by KONI with
sports organization about the Brunei fiasco.
"The evaluation did not give a solution on how we can improve
the situation."
Separately, KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo said a special task
force, chaired by Indra Djati Sidi, would study the evaluation
reports.
"The task force will have until Monday to find the best
solutions to the problem."
Arie blamed fund constraints which hampered long-term training
and scuttled plans to send athletes to compete abroad. He also
cited the abbreviated training period, which he said was
insufficient for the athletes to reach their peak.
"Another problem was weak sports 'intelligence' prior to the
Games because many officials complained about the lack of
information on the strength of their rivals," he said.
"But many of them admitted that Thailand and Malaysia
successfully groomed their athletes despite the economic crisis
in the region."
Arie said most Indonesian athletes failed to maintain their
physical conditioning after they returned home and they would
have to start their training from zero. (ivy/yan)