KONI told to focus on finding new talent

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie urged new officials from the National Sports Council (KONI) to pursue talent scouting, citing the activity as the most important process by which champions are created.

In a speech to install KONI officials at the State Palace on Monday, Habibie said that without talent it would be very difficult to prepare youths to become good athletes.

"We all realize that a good development process and talent have the biggest influence on an athlete's achievement," he said.

Habibie urged KONI officials to provide a coordinated and dedicated effort to improve Indonesian athletic achievements in Asia and the world.

"Generally, our athletes' performance remains unsatisfactory. Although some athletes in badminton and weightlifting have shown great form in international events, many others have yet to achieve their best in Asia, moreover the world."

Habibie supported KONI's ambitious long-term training project, the Golden Garuda, as the best program to prepare athletes in order to fulfill its ambition to finish sixth at the 2006 Asian Games.

KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar promised that the new officials would intensify their talent scouting and long-term training program to ensure the younger generation can live adequately as professional athletes.

Wismoyo expressed hope that the 2006 Asiad would provide a bench mark for national sports development.

"We must see the 2006 Asian Games bidding as a milestone (in order) to take further steps. It boosts our national pride."

He said KONI had lobbied neighboring countries to select Indonesia as the 2006 Asiad host.

"If we don't lobby them how could we win the bidding? We can't wait for something because it won't come for nothing."

Indonesia faces tough challenges from Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, India and Qatar in bidding to host the 2006 Asiad.

Wismoyo was elected for a second term through a national congress in February. He retained most of his former officials, including secretary-general Rudolf S. Warouw, treasurer Setya Novanto and Mochamad Hindarto, who is in charge of athletes development. (prb/yan)