Karsono settles dispute with Jakarta PBSI
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Jakarta chapter has settled a dispute with its chairman, Karsono, following a meeting facilitated by PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo on Tuesday evening.
Karsono chaired the Jakarta chapter until he was dismissed through an extraordinary congress last Friday on grounds that he was considered unable to promote the chapter's interests.
"Everything is clear now. Karsono has submitted a letter this morning requesting that he step aside temporarily," Subagyo said on Wednesday.
"Chapter officials and Karsono also agreed to let me name a caretaker. It's a relief, because we are all facing enormous tasks relating to the national congress slated to take place next month," he added.
Through the agreement, the chapter's extraordinary congress that dismissed Karsono was annulled.
PBSI will elect its new chairman during a national congress being held from Nov. 2 until Nov. 4 at Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta. Subagyo has refused to be renominated.
At their extraordinary congress, the Jakarta chapter officials named its secretary, Leo Chandra Wiranata, as caretaker chairman.
Subagyo, however, said on Wednesday that he had appointed the chapter's executive director Juniarto Suhandinata to take over the position.
The dispute began when the Jakarta chapter nominated its former chairman Justian Suhandinata for PBSI chairmanship. Justian currently also serves as vice president of the International Badminton Federation (IBF).
Jakarta chapter officials expected Karsono, who is also a PBSI executive director, to help Justian's bid.
Karsono, however, adopted a neutral stance saying that, as a senior PBSI official, he was not allowed to act in favor of any candidate.
Other chapters, such as West and East Java, have nominated businessman Chairul Tanjung to assume one of the country's most eminent sports posts.
Separately, Karsono openly shifted his stance, saying he fully supported Chairul.
"I feel relief now that I have both of my legs in the same place. Personally, I support Pak Chairul to be the next chairman," he said.
Karsono also said he would resume his service as chief of the Jakarta chapter after the national congress.