Indonesia's contingent greeted in modest ceremony

Indonesia's contingent greeted in modest ceremony

JAKARTA (JP): A modest welcoming ceremony greeted the return
home of Indonesia's contingent after its three-week campaign at
the just-concluded Olympics in Sydney.

The squad -- which earned one gold, three silvers and two
bronzes from badminton and weightlifting -- arrived at Soekarno-
Hatta international airport at 5.40 p.m.

Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin led the
welcoming ceremony in the VIP area while chef-de-mission Arie
Sudewo led the 90-strong contingent.

Also attending the ceremony were chairman of the National
Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar, representatives of
sports organization and three former State Ministers of Youth
Affairs and Sport -- Hayono Isman, Agung Laksono and Mahadi
Sinambela, whose office was abolished by President Abdurrahman
Wahid last month.

Yahya said in his speech that the government was proud of the
athletes' achievements in the Olympics.

"We are proud of all of the athletes' achievements at a time
when we are confronted by great difficulties in this country.
Hard work and persistence has borne fruit. One gold, three
silvers and two bronzes are much better than we did four years
ago."

"I'm sure that in the next Olympics, Indonesia can do even
better through hard work," he said.

Yahya added that the government would not give bonuses to the
medal winners.

"There is no reward from the government because this occasion
is somewhat new for us, the new cabinet. We're very sorry, but I
have heard that KONI had prepared cash bonuses," he said.

With the exception of the athletes and officials, his
statement was booed by the people who attended the ceremony,
including the journalists. He quickly continued: "But hopefully,
we can award you in the future."

Indonesian men's doubles Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan took
the gold and at the same time retained the gold medal tradition
since badminton was first introduced in 1992. Indonesia won two
golds in 1992 and one in 1996. It was the best achievement for
the country in the quadrennial event since 1952.

Mixed doubles Tri Kusharjanto and Minarti Timur, men's singles
Hendrawan and women's lifter Raema Lisa Rumbewas contributed one
silver each. Lifters Winarni and Sri Indriyani added two bronzes
to the squad's tally.

The salute to the athletes and officials was kicked off by
Mahadi, who placed bouquets on badminton head coach Christian
Hadinata, team manager Hadi Nazri and weightlifting coach Lukman.

Irianese living in Jakarta performed a welcome dance to greet
their heroine Lisa.

"We are surprised and we are touched by the fascinating
welcome. As an Irianese, Lisa must be the pride of all Irian
people, because she helped bring fame to Indonesia," said Lisa's
mother, Ida Rumbewas, when accompanying her daughter for an
interview.

Many young people rushed forward to get autographs from the
shuttlers after the ceremony.

KONI will distribute bonuses to gold medalists of Rp 500
million (US$57,470) each, while individual silver medalists will
get Rp 300 million, doubles silver medalists Rp 200 million each
and bronze medalists Rp 150 million each.

Garda Oto Insurance, a co-sponsor for the country's badminton
squad, will also hand over cash bonuses to the shuttlers. The
gold medalists will get Rp 600 million each while silver
medalists will pocket Rp 400 million each. Coaches and officials
will get Rp 200 million each.

Candra said that he would donate some of his cash bonus to
either an orphanage or his church.

"There will be a small party to celebrate my victory. I have
promised myself to donate some of my bonus to either an orphanage
or the church. I can't win the gold medal without God's help."

Meanwhile, Lisa said that she would save the money. "I may
save it in the bank and I'll draw on it if I need it." (ivy)