Indonesia becoming a rowing superpower, minister says

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has emerged as a major power to be reckoned with in world rowing, according to a cabinet minister.

"The performances of our rowers in various international events over the past three years have attested to the fact that we have joined the ranks of the world elite in the sport," Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar said yesterday.

He made the remarks when opening the national junior rowing championships in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.

But he stressed Indonesian rowers and their officials should not rest on the laurels. "Instead, they must continue to work hard to improve their performances."

To produce rowers with great potential to become world- beaters, Radinal said oarsmen and women must be trained from a tender age. "The frequency of competitions, both at senior or junior levels, should also be increased on a regular basis, say, twice a year at least," he said.

He noted with delight that Indonesia was endowed with many rivers, dams, lakes and bays which were of great help in efforts to popularize the sport, especially among the young.

The minister called on all PODSI (Indonesian Rowing Association) regional boards across the country to continuously work together with related agencies to make the most of all the facilities available.

PODSI chairman Basoeki said this year's junior championships were being held way behind schedule.

"The event should have been held in June or July. This delay is due to our tight schedules in preparing for the 14th National Games," he said.

He said a special talent scouting team would closely watch the performances of the rowers during the championships. "At the conclusion of the event, the team members will shortlist a number of talented rowers to be called up by PODSI to enter a five-year national centralized training camp in Jakarta."

Indonesia is the undisputed rowing kingpin in Southeast Asia, having dominated various regional competitions for years, including the SEA Games.

In Asia it is ranked second behind China. In the world, it is fast growing as a major threat to the established powers, including the United States, Russia and other East European countries. (bas)