New sports grouping born

JAKARTA (JP): Officials of 16 sports organizations established a federation last month to seek ways to attract more attention from the government.

"The Indonesian Federation of Public Sports (FOMI) was declared open on Aug. 25 with an initial membership of 16 organizations. We expect more organizations to join the federation," secretary-general of the Indonesian Respiratory- based Sports Organization (PORPI), Yoseano Waas, told a media conference on Thursday.

"We expect the government to play a role as a facilitator. It can, for example, provide more fields in cities and villages so residents can take part in sport activities," he added.

Other members of the federation include the Healthy Heart Club (KJS), the Indonesian Arm-wrestling Organization (POPI), the Indonesian Association of Aerobic and Fitness Instructors (AIAF) and the Indonesian Therapeutic Exercise club (STI).

Yoseano, however, denied the federation was in competition with the National Sports Council (KONI) since both organizations had different aims and goals.

"KONI has its own target with performance sports while our kinds of sports are intended more to keep people healthy and fit instead of aiming for medals," he said.

"However, we'll maintain a close relationship with KONI and contribute our knowledge for the development of Indonesia's sports," added Yoseano. (nvn)