PBSI needs new approach: Official

PBSI needs new approach: Official

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is in desperate
need of a more business-like approach when facing future
challenges, a candidate for the organization's top position,
Justian Hadinata, said on Wednesday.

"Such an approach is vital for maintaining the country's
badminton supremacy at both the regional and international
levels," warned Justian, who is currently vice president of the
International Badminton Federation (IBF).

"We should have adopted the approach a long time ago. All
organizations dealing with marketable sports have utilized the
method earlier.

"A business-like approach means everybody obtains and carries
out their jobs in line with their competence. We will be left
behind if we fail to adopt such an approach," he added.

PBSI's Jakarta chapter officially nominated Justian on Sunday,
to replace Subagyo Hadisiswoyo. The election will take place
during a PBSI congress to be held here from Nov. 2 until Nov. 4.

Justian, however, admitted that in some cases such a cultural
change would take time and meet opposition.

"It will not take too long if I ask for reports to be
submitted at a set time, let's say on the tenth of each month,"
he said.

"But there will be resistance in changing the entire culture,
particularly because most of our officials are volunteers."

To ensure implementation of the business culture, Justian
would hire full time professionals to run PBSI's day-to-day
activities, especially those related to fundraising and athlete
development.

"PBSI needs professionals who can, for example, sell its world
class achievements to potential sponsors. We can use the money to
develop more young talents from all over the country," he said.

"We also need people who can schedule training programs to
assist our coaches, as most of our coaches lack planning
abilities."

In a separate development, shuttler Yuli Marfuah decided to
resign from the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI), saying she
planned on pursuing her academic career.

"It has been a long-time dream that I would someday continue
my education. I am planning to take communication studies," she
told The Jakarta Post by phone.

"I want to be a public relations officer because I love
working and seeing a lot of people. I am also looking forward to
seeking a career in the entertainment field," she added.

Despite the fact that Yuli has not yet produced any major
achievements, her resignation still leaves the Indonesian women's
division with a hole, as there are no reliable replacements
available.

Yuli's resignation comes less than two weeks after men's
doubles shuttler Tony Gunawan announced his resignation, who also
plans on continuing his education.

Justian, who also chairs Tangkas Bogasari badminton club, has
a different idea about handling players who resign, saying PBSI
could still utilize their services.

"Let them resign from the center and continue their education
abroad, but they should continue their training and be ready to
represent Indonesia when they are needed," he said.