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.