Overhaul urgent in RI sports system
By Primastuti Handayani
JAKARTA (JP): For the second time since it began participating in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Indonesia could only finish third behind Thailand and the new regional sporting powerhouse Malaysia.
Earning 72 golds was definitely not enough to overhaul the host country Malaysia -- which topped the medal count with 111 golds for the first time in the biennial event's history -- and arch rival Thailand, which this year dropped to second place with 103 golds.
Signs of Indonesia's declining strength in the regional sports event began at the 1995 Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Unfortunately, National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar failed to learn a valuable lesson. He even set the very ambitious target of taking the overall championship from Thailand when hosting the 1997 Games in Jakarta.
He successfully did that, turning Indonesia into a winner once again. But he has forgotten one thing since then: long-term athlete development.
The 1999 Games recorded how Indonesia declined to third place after Thailand and Malaysia, a country that has never even been considered a tough rival.
The shock of the humiliating defeat was taken as justification for KONI to blame lack of funds, lack of attention from the government and business people, and lack of support from the media.
Big names in sports organizations -- mostly army generals and businessmen -- apparently have not brought in as much cash for sports events as initially expected. There are favorite sports, especially soccer, basketball and badminton, however, which still receive facilities from the officials.
The facilities could be in the form of event sponsorship, such as when Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Agum Gumelar signed a deal with state-owned Bank Mandiri worth Rp 10 billion (US$1.09 million). Maybe it was a coincidence that Bank Mandiri president director E.C.W. Neloe was also KONI's deputy treasurer.
However, lots of cash hasn't really helped PSSI either, as demonstrated by their loss to lesser-known Myanmar in the bronze medal playoff last week. The loss must be a big slap in the face for Agum, although coach Benny Dolo tried to defend his players by blaming unfair refereeing for the humiliating defeat.
Therefore, money is not the only factor in athlete development.
A regular national league does not really help the development of soccer players as many have not been able to maintain their discipline as professionals. Some of the athletes have even been known to have consumed prohibited substances, a fact that has always been covered by PSSI, despite that its best striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto was tested positive for drugs two years ago.
Athletes need special education -- particularly regarding their commitment to sports, responsibility for their nationwide fans and their pride in representing their country.
The biggest problem is the poor athlete regeneration. In last week's Games, some sports organizations still fielded the same old athletes as they had for years. The officials forgot that rookies -- no matter what results they achieved this year -- would represent the country in the future.
Swimmer Richard Sam Bera is a very good example of a veteran who still managed to break the Games record in his favorite 50- meter freestyle event. He even brought home another gold in 100- meter freestyle.
We must salute him for the achievement, but the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) should have reflected on its system of regeneration and recruitment as none of its younger athletes have shown signs of replacing the 30-year-old swimmer.
The same goes for the track and field events where 1997 and 1999 Games gold medalist Supriati Sutono still brought home two gold.
Likewise with 34-year-old boxer Albert Papilaya, who had announced his retirement two years ago. His gold medal, while undoubtedly bringing pride, highlights the country's poor regeneration and recruitment programs in boxing.
Talent scouts for each sports organization must bear the responsibility for their failure in recruiting juniors. But lack of quality local competition has always been a chronic impediment to fostering new talent.
Schools should have been one important supply source but most schools in Indonesia lack proper sports facilities and a curriculum that will boost children's motivation to participate in sport.
Only popular sports like soccer and basketball -- thanks to local competitions and TV programs -- have been able to attract extensive attention among youngsters.
Even universities -- the final frontier before turning professional, like in the U.S.-based NCAA -- do not have proper sports venues.
Comparing this country's facilities with Thailand's will make Indonesians envious. The 1998 Asian Games host, Thamassat University in the outskirts of Bangkok, has a magnificent stadium, which can host track and field events and soccer competitions, an indoor aquatic center and many multi-purpose halls.
In addition to schools, clubs must play a significant role in athlete development. But this system does not work here because all sports officials prefer to have a centralized training system.
Many chairmen of sports organizations have raced neck-to-neck to build their own centers including badminton, pencak silat martial arts, judo, weightlifting and track and field.
The system has turned into a graveyard for our athletes. More and more clubs have had to close down as they no longer get revenue from sponsorship; the money goes to athletes, sports organizations and their branches in provinces and mayoralties.
KONI and the government must learn from Malaysia. It started its athlete development since 1996, two years ahead of hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Malaysia did not only build its Bukit Jalil sports complex but also set up a training program for this year's SEA Games. Malaysia has now set an even higher target for the 2006 Asian Games.
With the change of time, it is the right moment to start boosting the public's role in developing sports in the community. The government could support their role by providing sports facilities in public places -- though this may remain a mere dream due to the limited budget available.
More affordable sports venues will encourage people to start exercising and given young people's love of sports, it would definitely encourage their interest.
Government support can also free athletes from income tax, which they are subjected to when acquiring a cash bonus, either from KONI or business.
Lifetime compensation could also be a good attraction for people who consider sports as a profession.
Developing sports is not merely the task of sports organizations, it needs the full support of the government and the public.
The author is a staff writer with The Jakarta Post.