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)