Hendro favored to take PJSI's helm

JAKARTA (JP): Hendropriyono will hand over his Jakarta Military Command baton to Wiranto today, but is likely to receive another baton from the Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI).

Hendro, who joined PJSI under the chairmanship of Wismoyo Arismunandar, has quickly come up as the favored candidate for PJSI's chief after Wismoyo hinted disinterest in extending his term. Wismoyo, the Army Chief of Staff, has led PJSI for 12 years.

"I have prepared my best cadres but the congress will decide who deserves the top position," said Wismoyo upon inaugurating the new judo training center in Tangerang, West Java yesterday. Wismoyo was flanked by Hendro all the time during the tour.

PJSI will hold its national congress on Monday, which will be highlighted by the election of its leadership board members for the next four-year term. The congress will run just after the national judo championships, starting from Friday through Sunday.

"I don't know yet whether the congress will strongly throw its weight behind me. As a true soldier, I simply wait for the command," Hendro replied to a barrage of questions from journalists.

Wismoyo refused to disclose his favor to his junior Hendro, but praised him as one of his best cadres.

Hendro, who was installed as the chief of Command for Supervision of Army Doctrine, Education and Training in Bandung, West Java on Sunday, is also the incumbent president of the Indonesian Professional Boxing Commission (KTI).

"It's all up to him. If he manages to handle both PJSI and KTI, why don't we give him the chance," said Wismoyo. (amd)