New karate chief to focus on improving coaches, referees

JAKARTA (JP): The newly elected chairman of the Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki), Luhut Pandjaitan, will concentrate on improving the quality of coaches and referees as they can play a significant role in improving the quality of karate in the country as well as athletes' achievements.

"Forki will organize more training sessions for coaches and referees in the short term. They have played an important role in producing international-level karatekas," Luhut was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Friday.

"Another important element is karate schools which have their own responsibility to develop karate in the country. That's why I don't want to differentiate them as each school has a part to play."

Luhut, who is also minister of industry and trade, is a holder of second dan (grade) from Inkai karate school and chairs Inkai's West Java chapter.

He was speaking at the announcement of Forki's new board of officials which also features a new institution of regional representatives.

After being unanimously elected at Forki's congress held on April 21 and April 22, Luhut was given a two-week period to set up his council aided by four officials; Forki's North Sumatra chapter Rahmat Syah, West Java chapter technical division head Herman Mochtar, Teddy Pasaribu of the Kyushinryu Karate Indonesia school and Taufan Budi of the Gokasi school.

"I expect all officials to give their best for karate. They must also develop a sense of togetherness between all schools to improve our achievements," Luhut said.

Secretary-general Hendardji and treasurer Oesman Sapta who served under former chairman Wiranto retained their posts.

Other officials include Ahmad Budu as the official in charge of athletes' development, Gilbert Albert Pesik is in charge of international relations and noted scholar Hermawan Sulistyo is in charge of research and development.

Forki provincial chapters are represented by Apris Hamid and Firdaus who oversee Sumatra, Bambang Raya and Herman Djusan for Java, West Kalimantan and Bali, Liliek Mulyono and Soewito for Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.

Rustam Ibrahim and Yoppy Tulus oversee Gorontalo, Maluku, North Maluku and North Sulawesi, Syamsul Malarangeng for Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi and Abdullah Muksin and Manase Opur for Irian Jaya, East and West Nusa Tenggara. (nvn)