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)