Indonesian team leaves for Bangkok
JAKARTA (JP): Most of the country's team for the Asian Games left on Thursday for Bangkok in an emotion-filled departure with their families.
Led by chef de mission Mochamad Hindarto, the contingent departed from the Halim Perdanakusumah air base on an Air Force Boeing 707. The military aircraft, piloted by commander of the 17th Squadron Lt. Col. Yadi Husiadi, took off at around 11:20 a.m.
The 130 people on board comprised 66 athletes, 23 coaches and 41 officials.
Eleven of their teammates, who will compete in judo, equestrian, swimming and yachting, traveled to Bangkok last Saturday.
Badminton and sepak takraw players, karate athletes, rowers and shooters will fly to Bangkok in three separate groups on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Indonesia is fielding 128 athletes who will be gunning for medals in 21 out of 36 sports contested in the last games of the century.
This year's Asiad, the 13th since 1950 and the fourth hosted by Thailand, will run from Dec. 6 through Dec. 20.
Indonesia dropped a boxer at the last minute due to a school commitment. Chairman of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association, Sang Nyoman Suwisma, ordered lightweight Wilpare Jamhur to stay because he has to complete his study at the Army school of noncommissioned officers.
"He could not concentrate during training and it would take him three weeks to make up for his poor showing. His coach told me he had no prospects at all based on his present form," Suwisma said upon seeing off the boxing team on Thursday.
Wilpare entered the school just two weeks ago. The school exempted him from full attendance while he was training.
"He lacks responsibility and self-motivation to train. I know he is already exhausted with military training, but he must not ignore his preparation for the Games," a disappointed Suwisma said.
Wilpare would not be given another chance to join the school if he failed his exams, Suwisma added.
Hindarto said it was impossible to pick a substitute for Wilpare because entry registration was closed.
Emotional
Athletes mingled with their families and relatives before National Sports Council chairman, Wismoyo Arismunandar, officially sent them off.
Female weightlifter Supeni lullabied her 18-month-old daughter. She walked about while her baby slept in her arms.
In another section of the departure lounge, gymnast Jonathan Mangiring Sianturi chatted with his mother and girlfriend.
Stand-in spiker Benny Martarius talked with his girlfriend through his mobile phone.
Anxiety also marked the day when women's tennis team backbones Yayuk Basuki and Irawati Moerid Iskandar failed to turn up on time.
A restless tennis team manager, Benny Mailili, booked tickets on commercial flight for the two unpunctual players. Minutes later Yayuk and Irawati arrived, much to Benny's relief.
Wismoyo, accompanied by the operational assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Rear Marshall Irawan Saleh, tried to puncture the emotional farewell with some gaiety by asking the team to sing.
Irawan said in his speech that the Air Force also reserved two Hercules C-130 airplanes for the national contingent.
"We just want to prove that we, the Armed Forces, care about the people. Therefore, it's out of proportion if people keep denouncing us."
Hindarto said Benny Martarius would carry the national flag during the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The sports council originally picked national volleyball team captain Loudry Maspaetella, but he refused because he will play on Monday morning.
"I am very happy because I never expected to be the flag bearer," Benny, 25, said.
Female fencer Fabiola Tirza Paulany Ratu and Olympic men's doubles badminton champion Rexy Ronald Mainaky will dress in traditional costumes during the opening ceremony march.
Unfortunately, officials forgot to pack the costumes. "I don't know what kind of costumes are available at the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok," Hindarto said. (yan)