'Ministers too busy for sports groups'
'Ministers too busy for sports groups'
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono
Isman reiterated yesterday his idea not to let sports
organizations give cabinet ministers top jobs any longer.
"Those who lead sports organizations should have 100 percent,
or at least 80 percent of their time devoted to the development
of their respective sports organizations," Hayono told reporters
during a fast break at his residence yesterday.
Citing an example, Hayono said that Coordinating Minister for
People's Welfare Azwar Anas, was the only minister to attend the
national congress held by the National Sports Council (KONI) last
month. Azwar now chairs the All Indonesia Football Association
(PSSI).
By saying this, Hayono illustrated that many ministers are too
busy to devote their time to the interests of sports
organizations they chair.
"I believe the ministers are so busy that they are able to
allot only 30 percent of their time for sports," Hayono added.
He said two ministers, Sanjoto Sastrowardojo and Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja, had complained that they felt very much forced to
accept their top jobs in sports organizations.
Sanyoto is both Minister of Investment/Chairman of the
Investment Planning Board (BKPM) and chairman of the Indonesian
Swimming Federation. Minister of Environment Sarwono was elected
chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association.
Other VIPs include Minister of Information Harmoko who take
the helm of the Indonesian Basketball Association, Minister of
Mines and Energy IB Sudjana who chairs the Indonesian Squash
Association, Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises
Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya who leads the Indonesian Equestrians
Association and Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung who
chairs the Indonesian Chess Association.
In line with Hayono's statement, Ismail Hasan, chairman of the
House Commission in charge of sports and education affairs,
suggested the government to set up a ruling forbidding ministers
to much involve themselves with sports organizations.
Hayono said his office plans to gradually get rid of ministers
functioning as chairman of sports organization provided President
Soeharto gives his consent.
Hayono said the frequent absence of ministers in their extra
offices might give raise to conflicts and overlapping duties
among their assistants.
Hayono hinted that retired officials from the Armed Forces or
government might be eligible to replace the ministers. (arf)