PATRIN Asserts International Status, Recognised by ICSD as Indonesia's Deaf Sports Organisation

The controversy regarding the departure of several Indonesian deaf athletes to international championships, who reportedly had to raise funds independently, has received an official clarification from Indonesia’s governing body for deaf sports.

This assertion was delivered by the General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Association of Deaf Athletes (DPP PATRIN), Dimyati Hakim, alongside the Deputy Secretary General of DPP PATRIN, Agung Baghaskoro.

In their statement, PATRIN emphasised that the organisation, known internationally as the Indonesian Association of the Deaf Athlete (IADA), is the only Indonesian deaf organisation to have obtained recognition from the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), the international body overseeing sports for deaf athletes worldwide.

This clarification is deemed essential to provide certainty to athletes, the public, and relevant stakeholders regarding the official position of the organisation representing Indonesia in international deaf sports competitions.

“We emphasise that PATRIN, or IAST internationally, is the official and only organisation recognised by the ICSD. Under the leadership of General Chairperson Mr Dimyati Hakim, we hold the legitimacy to oversee, train, and send Indonesian deaf athletes to official international events,” said Agung Baghaskoro.

Agung expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) for its consistent full support of PATRIN and deaf athletes. He also ensured that the relationship between PATRIN/IADA and the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC Indonesia) remains very good and harmonious. He noted that every official contingent sent in the name of Indonesia is always coordinated through hierarchical channels with the NPC and Kemenpora.

However, regarding the viral issue of deaf athletes having to raise funds independently, Agung and General Chairperson Dimyati Hakim asserted that they were never aware of, involved in, or had given approval for such actions.

“Regarding the issue of sending deaf athletes who must raise funds, as the official and only organisation recognised by the ICSD, neither I nor the PATRIN Central Chairperson, Mr Dimyati Hakim, were aware of this at all,” he stated.

The organisation expressed regret over the deployment of athletes representing Indonesia without going through the official PATRIN/IADA channels.

“We will immediately attempt to communicate and investigate why these athletes could be sent without official coordination with us as PATRIN/IADA, the NPC, and Kemenpora. This must be rectified to ensure athletes are not disadvantaged and Indonesia’s reputation is not tarnished on the international stage,” said Agung.

As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement from the parties who initiated the fundraising efforts.