New karate chief to focus on improving coaches, referees
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)