I have the time for KONI, says Agum

I have the time for KONI, says Agum

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The newly elected chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI),
Agum Gumelar, who is also the transportation minister, promised
that he would be able to devote enough of his time to manage the
organization.

"Given my position at the transportation ministry people have
expressed doubt that I have the time for KONI. Trust me, I have
time for KONI," the transportation minister said after his
election.

Agum says he plans to run KONI according to the principle of
the "total soccer way" employed by coach Rinus Michels to run the
Dutch national soccer team in the 1970s.

"The Dutch team was the dominant force in the early 1970s,
without Rinus Michels joining the players on the field.

"He transferred his ideas to the likes of Johan Cruyff and
Arie Haan.

"Total football carries the philosophy that we do not
necessarily have to get directly involved to run KONI. The
important thing is that we must be able to coordinate the team.

"That is why it does not matter how much time I can afford to
give to KONI. Three days, two days ... does it matter? What
matters most is that the organization runs regardless of the time
I have for KONI," he said.

Agum promised to appoint professionals to KONI's board, which
he also plans to trim down. The KONI board currently has 71
members.

"I will restructure the organizational board with a view
toward employing as few officials as possible to maximize
efficiency and effectiveness.

"No matter their background, from what sports organization
they come, as long as they are reliable I will recruit them for
the team," he said.

Looking ahead, Agum said he would push sports organizations
and KONI's provincial chapters to revive their development
programs.

Indonesian sports is at a low point, following disappointing
campaigns at the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

"I will also encourage state enterprises to lend a helping
hand in the effort to spur sports development," Agum said.

"I love this nation and I'm ready to commit myself to using
sports to increase the dignity of the country. I do not want to
disappoint the sporting community," he said