PSSI has to bounce back and move onward: Try

PSSI has to bounce back and move onward: Try

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno urged the All-
Indonesia Football Association to conduct some introspection if
it is to go on its bid for better international achievement.

In this subtle criticism, Try zeroed in on Indonesia's upset
defeat to Vietnam in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Chiang
Mai, Thailand in his key note speech at the opening day of the
association's 31st congress at the Pondok Gede Haj dormitory,
East Jakarta yesterday.

"Let's take our defeat in SEA Games seriously, although it
should not adversely affect our enthusiasm in developing national
soccer," Try said.

"Whatever situation we face, we have to bounce back and move
onward."

The 0-1 loss to Vietnam, which sent star-studded Indonesia
packing from the SEA Games soccer competition, received massive
coverage in local mass media. Some believed that the modest
outcome was a result of poor administration under incumbent Azwar
Anas.

Try declined to point the finger of blame at anybody, but
asked the congressmen to seek any route to success for Indonesia.

"I call on those who are concerned about the development of
national soccer to roll up their sleeves and work harder. We are
facing tougher challenges in the near future," Try said.

After a series of discussions about the strategy for the next
four years, the two-day congress will wind up with the election
of a new chairman.

A total of 833 people, including all top executives, officials
from the association's 27 branches throughout the country and
observers, are attending the congress, which was originally
slated to be held in Medan, North Sumatra.

Try asked the attendants to respect all decisions made through
deliberations during the congress. "Keep up your wisdom,
professionalism and sportsmanship. These are all we require to
build up a strong national team, I think," Try said.

Apology

In response to mounting criticism over Indonesia's SEA Games
agony, reigning president Azwar made a formal apology to the
country's soccer fans.

Azwar, who is also the Coordinating Minister for People's
Welfare, said in front of Try that he is the only person to be
held responsible for the loss and would account for the defeat
during the congress.

"I personally apologize to Mr. Vice President and all
Indonesian soccer fans that our team has yet to chalk up any
major successes," Azwar said.

Despite the tragic outcome at the SEA Games, Azwar's fate
remains in the balance as congressmen head for today's election.
A number of provincial representatives felt Azwar deserves the
second four-year term.

Azwar's strongest contender is Arie Sudewo, Indonesian SEA
Games team's leader who announced his retirement following the
thumping defeat to host Thailand.

Head of the East Javanese delegation, Susanto, said that he
would stand behind Azwar because of the impressive initiatives of
the incumbent chairman. "The revival of national league that
involves foreign players is his outstanding contribution in
developing soccer here," Susanto said.

South Kalimantan and Aceh also lined up to back Azwar. "We
still need a figure like Mr. Azwar," Sulaiman, who represents
Aceh, said. (amd)