RI team told to ignore East Timor protests

JAKARTA (JP): Athletes representing Indonesia at the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia, in two weeks must ignore protests on East Timor's integration, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said yesterday.

"Anti-integration groups usually wave banners and yell rude words about East Timor's integration. We must stay calm and ignore their protests," said Budidoyo, the director for security and management of Indonesians abroad.

Antara reported that the 78-strong team of 10 track and field athletes, eight shuttlers, six swimmers, four gymnasts, four sepak takraw athletes, 36 softballers and 10 boxers would compete at the Games from May 10 to May 17. Nineteen officials would accompany them.

Budidoyo said the protesters intended to anger Indonesians and make them strike out, thereby embarrassing them.

"It doesn't mean that Darwin is unsafe for the Indonesian contingent. The Northern Territory government has promised maximum security for all participants at the Games," he said.

He told athletes to concentrate on their performances at the biennial event.

"You must not to worry about the protests because the administration has guaranteed your safety," he said.

The Northern Territory government is trying hard to make the Games, which is expected to draw 4,500 athletes from 29 countries, the biggest multi-sports event in the Asia Pacific.

Indra Djati Sidi, the team's chief, said the team had no medal targets since it had missed the last Games in 1995.

"In 1991 and 1993, Bali and East Timor represented Indonesia but we were absent in 1995 because of protests on East Timor's integration," he said.

Some local sports organizations have said they hope their athletes will benefit from the event for the 19th SEA Games here from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19. (yan)