SEAG athletes, coaches query US$60,000 grant

SEAG athletes, coaches query US$60,000 grant

JAKARTA (JP): Some Indonesian coaches and athletes at the
Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur are beginning to inquire
about the US$60,000 grant handed out by Taufik Kiemas, husband of
President Megawati Soekarnoputri, to the National Sports Council
(KONI) on Saturday.

A number of officials, including boxing coach Ucok Tanamal and
Jhon Amapunyo, said they did not know about the "windfall"
resulting from Taufik's brief tour.

Taufik, accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Welfare Yusuf
Kalla and a number of legislators, gave a cash bonus to Wismoyo
Arismunandar, representing the Indonesian contingent at the
games, during a lunch at Dynasty Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

It was not disclosed verbally what the money was intended for,
except for Kalla's remarks, which said that the government really
appreciated what the contingent had done during the SEA Games.

"With all the shortcomings, the athletes have shown quite a
good performance. And the government appreciates that very much,"
Kalla told reporters about the gift on Saturday.

Some athletes and officials hope to receive their shares
before they leave for home.

"If there is (such a grant), we are grateful for the
generosity shown to the athletes and coaches. That extra
allowance will help us to sort out souvenirs for families," said
Jhon Amapunyo, another boxing coach, as quoted by Antara.

Some of the boxers admitted to being surprised or delighted at
the news about Taufik's donation.

"We haven't been informed yet by KONI about the money," said
boxer Hendrik Simangunsong, from North Sumatra. He was nodded by
teammates Melky, Joko Suryono and gold medalist Albert Papilaya

Neither Nur Rochman nor Tonton, the latter being the gold
medalist in the cycling competition, knew about it. "If it really
is so, they'd better hand it out so that we can do some souvenir
shopping for our families," Tonton said.

Meanwhile, KONI Treasurer Abdul Wahid said that it had been
approved that only athletes, numbering some 541, would receive
the extra allowance, "because available funds are limited."

"The athletes will each receive as much as $100. And they are
not allowed to have someone else pick up the money," he said.

The 21st SEA Games, which was the first time that host
Malaysia came out as the overall winner, closed on Monday. The
Indonesians, who finished third in the medal standings for the
second time in a row, are scheduled to return home on Wednesday.

However, many athletes who had completed their participation
far before the closing ceremony, have already arrived in Jakarta.

Wahid said that they would need to talk further about whether
those who had already gone home still deserved their portion
because the grants were intended for souvenir-shopping. (01)