KONI seeks funds for Olympics training

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) is approaching three big companies to arrange sponsorship funds to prepare Indonesian athletes for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

KONI official in charge of planning and budgeting, Togi Mangara Hutagaol, told reporters during the national plenary meeting at the Senayan multi-purpose hall on Tuesday that KONI has yet to sign memorandums of understanding with any of the three companies.

Togi named fast-food franchise McDonalds, ABN-Amro bank and Kompas daily as the three sponsor candidates expected to cover KONI's expenses for the Olympic training programs.

"Up to today, I still can't say anything. We will announce which companies have a deal with KONI and the amount of the sponsorship," he said.

KONI needs about Rp 6.9 billion (US$958,300) to finance the 10 sport training program, beginning on Feb. 1st.

The council has received Rp 2 billion from the Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) and had Rp 500 million surplus from its 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games budget.

KONI has requested the National Development and Planning Board (Bappenas) provide Rp 4.9 billion, but has yet to receive any response.

Togi also said that KONI has yet to receive any financial help from state enterprises as promised by former state minister of empowerment of state enterprises, Tanri Abeng, last year.

KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar signed a MOU with Tanri on July 2, 1999, saying that state enterprises would contribute Rp 7 billion in cash to KONI.

However, they only managed to raise Rp 6 billion. Some Rp 3.5 billion was used to prepare athletes for the 1999 SEA Games and another Rp 1.5 billion was distributed for athletes' bonuses. (yan)