Hayono says he won't lead Kosgoro

Hayono says he won't lead Kosgoro

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
Hayono Isman announced yesterday that he does not want to be
nominated for the chairmanship of Kosgoro.

He made the statement after meeting with President Soeharto,
citing his full activities as a cabinet minister. As of Monday
afternoon he was still receiving support from many
representatives of the influential organization, and was widely
considered to be one of the strongest contenders.

The other competitors are incumbent chairman Soeprapto and
Agung Laksono, a leading member of the ruling political
grouping, Golkar. Kosgoro is affiliated with Golkar.

"I don't have enough time to chair Kosgoro. I therefore ask
the congress participants, mainly from branch offices, not to
nominate me for the post," Hayono said yesterday.

The Antara news agency said Hayono was not scheduled to meet
with Soeharto yesterday.

Hayono also said Kosgoro has many other potential leaders with
the management capability to lead the organization.

He said that, during the meeting, President Soeharto told him
that chairman elections should be left to the congress, but the
participants should choose someone with enough time to do the job
well.

Hayono's announcement has reportedly upset the majority of the
congress participants, who had on Monday asked his approval to be
nominated for the post. Hayono had earlier indicated his
willingness to be nominated.

Hayono thus became the third person to declare his reluctance
to lead the organization. Earlier, similar statements were made
by Siswono Yudohusodo, Minister of Transmigration; and Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja, State Minister of Environment. (imn)