'Lack of vision leads to RI decline'

JAKARTA (JP): Failure to keep focused on the vision has resulted in Indonesia's declining performance in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which saw its contingent finish third for the second straight time at the just concluded event in Kuala Lumpur, a sports observer says.

"We have deviated from the very principles we held the first time we participated in the SEA Games," Joe Rumeser, a sports observer, told The Jakarta Post.

"The SEA Games should be considered as a stepping stone ahead of the Asian Games."

Joe recalled the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta when Indonesia proudly finished fourth. Never since then has the country gained such an achievement.

"The 1962 meet should have been a reminder for us that whatever we do in the SEA Games should be seen as a plan of action for success at the Asian Games level," he said.

Joe further said that the failure to spread the vision concerning competition in the SEA Games had consequently resulted in misguided management as regards the development of national sports.

"What I can say from Indonesian's showing at the SEA Games is this is the result we deserved after what we have been doing for so many years," he said.

Joe said that Indonesia used to be too ambitious in its hopes of becoming the overall winner without paying heed to the necessity of regeneration.

"Neither did we focus on the sports that should be given priority in development," he said.

Many have suggested that Indonesia should focus on swimming and athletics, both areas where there are abundant medals on offer. Indonesia has become a third-class participant in the SEA Games in both areas.

Joe also pointed to the problem of coaching standards, lack of political will from the government, and the way the National Sports Council (KONI) performed its duties.

He said KONI, the Indonesian sports management council, had excessively interfered with the sports organizations regarding technical matters.

However, he said that it would not be fair to point the finger of blame solely at KONI. "It's the sports organizations which know most about their athletes. Of course, they must be held responsible as well," he said.

Until recently, Indonesia had dominated the SEA Games since its debut in 1977 in Kuala Lumpur, except for 1985 and 1995 when Thailand played host.

"Lack of preparation played the major role in ensuring our defeat," Joe said, referring to the Indonesian contingent's showing at the latest SEA Games.

No regular competitions in several fields, Joe said, was testament to the poor condition of national sport.

"With regular competition stuttering, and a lack of competitors and overseas outings, the athletes' psychological makeup is disturbed.

"This consequently affects their confidence, thus causing them to be unable to withstand high pressure during competition. They are also unable to equip themselves with sound game plans." (01)