KONI ready to submit proposal on sports bill
KONI ready to submit proposal on sports bill
JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) said it was
ready to submit a proposal to the House of Representatives asking
for an amendment to the presidential decree governing the
council's duties.
The council also will urge the House to deliberate a sports
bill it has proposed.
"The obsolete Presidential Decree No. 43/1984 says KONI only
has two functions: to formulize national sports policy and to
coordinate sports activities through sports organizations," the
chairman of KONI's task force that drew up the proposals, Kamil
Husni, said on Thursday following a three-day meeting of the
council.
"We proposed adding the duty of coordinating sports
organizations for multisports events at every level and
allocating part of the state budget and provincial budgets for
KONI."
Kamil emphasized the task force only was suggesting an
amendment to the presidential decree.
"We are only submitting our proposals; it is up to the
government and the House whether to accept the proposals.
"This is also true of our suggestions for the sports bill.
KONI will leave it up to the government and the House to
deliberate the bill," he said, adding that the task force had
proposed 62 items for inclusion in the sports bill.
"The bill will clearly define the government and KONI's duties
and roles in developing sports in the country. The government is
responsible for providing sports facilities nationwide, as well
as financial aid and tax breaks for sports equipment."
Kamil said the suggestions were meant to flesh out the
regulations concerning sports in Indonesia.
"We, for example, suggest providing certain protections and
rewards for athletes during and after their playing days. But we
did not go into detail as the idea has only be stated in the
decree instead of the bill.
"The bill will also discuss doping issues, as we consider this
a crucial matter for sports development here."
He said KONI would maintain its independence even though the
bill calls for the council to receive funds from the state budget
and provincial budgets.
"KONI will not become a state institution although we will
receive state funds. Each sports organization will maintain
autonomy over its own matters.
"We also expect to be able to finance to some extent our
participation in international and regional multisports events.
It depends on the state's financial condition."
Kamil said the task force was not yet satisfied with the
proposals, and would ask KONI's provincial chapters for input and
suggestions.
"Once the proposal is refined, we will submit it to House
Commission VI, which oversees human resources and religious
affairs, for further processing." (nvn)