Ryamizard calls for unity in karate

JAKARTA: Ryamizard Ryacudu, the new chairman of the Indonesian Karate-Do Institute (Inkai), pleaded with karatekas to put their differences behind them and to work together for a better future.

"If we can't work together, we should all forget about it and go about our own business," the three-star Army general said in a speech during the official unveiling of the new Inka board at the Crowne Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

Ryamizard, who is chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), was referring to the recent internal conflict in the organization, which prompted the establishment of a breakaway Indonesian Traditional Karate-Do Federation (FKTI), led by Sabet Muchsin, in 2000.

Succeeding Adam Damiri, Ryamizard was elected the chairman at Inkai's national congress in Palembang, South Sumatra, last November. He is assisted by secretary-general Mahfudin Nigara, a boxing commentator. --JP