Govt still reluctant to host Israeli team

Govt still reluctant to host Israeli team

JAKARTA (JP): The government is still reluctant to treat
Israel, which it does not recognize as a state, like the other
participating countries in the upcoming 38th World Outdoor
Archery Championships here.

"I have called the chairman of the Indonesian Archery
Association and raised objection (to Israel's participation),"
State Secretary Moerdiono told reporters yesterday. He declined
to elaborate.

However, Harmidy Haroen, a deputy chairman of the organizing
committee, made it clear yesterday that the government has issued
visas to the Israeli archers.

"But as to whether they will be allowed to use their flag,
anthem, name and other national attributes like the other
countries, no decision has so far been made. This entirely
depends on the government," Harmidy said.

Oetojo Oesman, the chairman of the Indonesian Archery
Association, said earlier "we will comply with the rules and
regulations of the World Archery Body FITA."

But sticking to FITA's rules would violate a 1988 decree
issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports which bars
countries with which Indonesia has no diplomatic ties from
displaying their national identity, except the country's name,
while taking part in sports events hosted by Indonesia. The
decree is still effective, Imam Sujudi, an assistant to the
sports minister, confirmed.

Although the decree allows the use of a country's name,
Indonesia has asked FITA to inform Israel that they may compete
under FITA's name and attributes, Sujudi said.

FITA is willing to compromise its rules in order to meet the
ministerial decree, as can be seen from a letter dated July 22
sent by its vice president Donald M. Lovo to Oetojo.

The letter reads: "FITA has made many compromises to
accommodate your government policy. Please honor this request."
The letter then asked the Indonesian government to make
arrangements for the Israeli team "so that they can pick up their
visa at the Jakarta airport."

"FITA has understood our policy," Harmidy said, "and we hope
that Israel will understand it too."

Earlier, Reuters reported that the Israeli Sports Federation
and the Israel Archery Association sent a letter to all FITA
members and the International Olympic Committee on Monday,
saying: "by submitting to blatant political pressure, FITA is not
only betraying its own constitution but is rendering hollow and
meaningless the ideals and spirit of the Olympic games which
enshrine honor, dignity and equality."

The fact that Indonesia is the world's largest Moslem country
will likely be a big hurdle to Israel's participation in the Aug.
1-6 championships. President Soerharto is expected to open the
event. (arf)