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)