Overhaul urgent in RI sports system
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.