KONI approves additional Rp 2b for SEA Games
KONI approves additional Rp 2b for SEA Games
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
team may have felt relief as the National Sports Council (KONI)
chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar approved an additional Rp 2 billion
(US$298,510) to send athletes to compete in the Games in Brunei
Darussalam next month.
KONI's official in charge of athletes development, Mochammad
Hindarto, told reporters after meeting Wismoyo that so far KONI
has collected Rp 12 billion for the contingent's transportation
and accommodation during the biennial event from Aug. 7 to Aug.
15.
The National Development and Planning Board (Bappenas) and the
Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) have provided Rp 5.5
billion and Rp 4.5 billion respectively.
"But the Rp 10 billion budget was not enough as we still
needed to add Rp 500 million. We're lucky that Pak Wismoyo
understood our need," Hindarto said, adding that the money could
be used to buy sports equipment to support athletes performances
in the event.
Wismoyo took Rp 2 billion from a Rp 7 billion donation from
the State Enterprises annual profits as stated in the Memorandum
of Understanding signed by Wismoyo and State Minister of the
Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng last week.
Wismoyo expressed disappointment in the sports organizations
medal-winning estimations for the events.
SEA Games training executive director Imron Z.S. quoted
Wismoyo's statement saying the organizations were intentionally
keeping a low profile.
"In sports, we have to make the right estimations. If they can
win seven golds, please say seven and no less. Don't say they are
afraid of overtargeting," Imron quoted.
"We have to evaluate right or we miss targets. We need to know
our rivals' strength. We must remember that the SEA Games is a
stepping stone to bigger events such as the Asian Games and the
Olympics," Imron said.
Imron was referring to the Badminton Association of Indonesia
(PBSI) which opted to send second stringers because the top
players were focused on qualifying for the 2000 Olympics.
"Pak Wismoyo said national shuttlers made a clean sweep two
years ago but why is PBSI only targeting to win five golds. They
could have sent either Taufik or Hendrawan," he said.
Imron named karate, pencak silat, and tae kwon do as other
sports which were expected to win more medals than targeted.
Imron said Wismoyo hoped President B.J. Habibie and other
ministers would spend some time to visit training centers in and
around Jakarta to give moral support to athletes.
"Indonesia's first president Soekarno visited athletes and
sports venues before Indonesia hosted the 1962 Asian Games."
Separately, the All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) has
expelled two players, Warsidi of Persita Tangerang and Eri
Irianto of Persebaya Surabaya, from the SEA Games squad on
Wednesday.
The remaining players are Persebaya's players Hendro Kartiko,
Sugiantoro, Anang Ma'ruf, Aji Santoso and Uston Nawawi, PSIS
players Komang Putra, Agung Setiabudi and Ali Sunan, Pelita
Bakrie senior players Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, Bima Sakti,
Haryanto Prasetyo and Eko Purjianto and Persija's Nur Alim,
Andrian Mardiansyah, Widodo C. Putra and Rocky Puttiray.
Other players are Slamet Riyadi (PSMS Medan) and Bambang
Pamungkas (Diklat Salatiga).
The national team is on an overseas stint in Europe until July
14. (ivy/yan)