New PGI chief must play by the rules

JAKARTA (JP): The next chairman of the Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) must be someone who possesses the quality of being able to run the association based upon strict compliance with the rules, according to a golf observer.

"He must be able to put things right according to the rules," Avie K. Utomo told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of the Jagorawi Japan Golf Foundation (JJGF) Golf Championship at the Jagorawi Golf & Country Club near Bogor on Thursday.

The PGI begins its three-day convention on Friday in Jakarta with the main item on the agenda being the choosing of the association's new leader to replace the incumbent Sudomo, who has been in the chair for 16 years.

Avie's comment came in the wake of the controversial establishment of commercial company Golf Indonesia Nusantara (GIN), which many have labeled as violating the association's statutes.

The company, which was founded by a number of golfing figures including Sudomo, Widarsadipradja, Yuwono Kolopaking and Haryanto Dhanutirto, aims at developing golf through commercialization, as is stipulated in the company's statutes, a copy of which was made available to the Post at the weekend.

"It's absolutely out of question that the PGI as a non-profit body should get involved in such businesses," said Avie, adding that the mission of GIN could lead to monopoly in organizing golf tournaments.

However, Avie did not say outright whether the next chairman would have to reconsider the establishment of GIN.

"I don't object to GIN. What I'm concerned about most is that it may be used by some people to further their own interests while they shelter behind the PGI's name," he said.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta chapter of the PGI has nominated Sumpono Bayuaji to run for the association's presidency. Ponco Sutowo is another name being touted for the post. (01)