Shooting, hunting hit target for many executives

Many business executives have taken up shooting and hunting in their leisure time. It is a prestigious pastime, but how much does the hobby set them back?

JAKARTA: The uniniated in matters of shooting and hunting will feel left out from spirited talk in hunting circles. Conversations center on arms and weapons of different sizes and capacities. The atmosphere is relaxed and full of laughter.

It is all business when there is a target shooting competition at a shooting range. Only the firing of the guns is heard. There is no applause, as absolute silence is required for shooters to concentrate on their targets.

In Indonesia, nonmilitary shooting activities -- a hobby among business executives -- is fully under the coordination and supervision of Perbakin, the All-Indonesia Target Shooting and Hunting Association.

Nearly all provincial capitals have a shooting range, managed by civilians or the military. About 5,000 people are engaged in shooting activities nationwide.

Target shooting for women includes air pistol, ladies sport pistol, air rifle macht, smallbore standard rifle prone, double trap, running target, air rifle hunting. For men, there is air pistol, free pistol, smallbore hunting three positions, running target, trap, skeet, double trap and rapid free pistol. These categories are generally included in national and international shooting competitions.

There are several reasons athletes like shooting. Some of them feel the sport requires them to exercise patience and tranquility in facing a problem, others do it for pure love of sport, and there are those who like the great outdoors.

Anto Bambang Utoyo, a Palembang-based businessman, has gained a reputation for his hunting prowess. Friends refer to him as a walking encyclopedia on matters of arms and ammunition.

"Whatever you want to know about hunting firearms, just ask Anto. The latest type of arms or those of the last century, Anto can explain them by heart," said one of his friends.

When the above comment was passed on to the always ebullient Anto, he only laughed. "Shooting is my flesh and blood."

Almost all hunters intending to go hunting in South Sumatra, Lampung, Bengkulu and as far as Jambi, contact Anto. He always assists them in the preparation of the basic requirements, down to the smallest details.

Sita Dewi Razni of Perbakin's organizing board says that hunting is more popular than target shooting among amateurs. Athletes like target shooting, which has up to 21 competition events. At the recent Southeast Asian Games, the Indonesian contingent reaped an unexpectedly big haul of gold, silver and bronze medals.

The sport counts top executives like Bambang Trihatmodjo and Robby Sumampow among its ranks.

Permits are required from several agencies. For shooting, membership is required in a shooting club recognized by Perbakin.

All firearms belonging to Perbakin members must conform to requirements, including storage at the Perbakin office of the town in which members are registered.

Member must first file a request to obtain a permit issued by the authorized agency to use the firearm.

Shooting activities require a lot of money. Firearms cost between Rp 4 million and 17 million. Bullets in Indonesia are more expensive than abroad and constitute an additional cost.

Special apparel must also be bought: jacket, trousers, shoes, gloves, glasses, arm wraps and many more. These cost millions of rupiah.

Enthusiasts must follow Perbakin's regulations on arms possession. According to R.M. Roeslan Soeyadi of Perbakin's planning and programs, a member is limited to a maximum of eight firearms for hunting, under the condition that the firearms should each have a different caliber. The price of hunting rifles varies from Rp 8 million to 17 million.

Expenses for hunting increase markedly with the purchase of a specially modified jeep, price Rp 25 million. A hunter must also spend up to Rp 2 million for necessities at the location, such as in Bengkulu or Lampung.

Sita Dewi Razni has tried to calculate the expenses for shooting. A wind rifle for target shooting costs between Rp 4 and 5 million. Bullets and bird-shaped targets cost Rp 1,800. One practice needs 150 bullets for a total cost of Rp 270,000. A marksman must practice at least three times a week to acquire lasting skills.

Yorrys T.H. Raweyai, chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila youth organization, recently traveled in a group of 11 businessmen on a seven-day trip in South Africa and 18 days in Tanzania.

He found it difficult to estimate the cost of the trip. The expenditures covered hiring an aircraft, accommodation, organizers' fees, guide fees, mounting and stuffing costs of animals, and forwarding cost of the trophies back to Indonesia.

Shooting abroad, some people say, is more enjoyable because of the clear rules of the game and the supporting facilities. Hunters are not allowed to shoot at will any animal that comes within sight.

To join an overseas hunting trip, it is sufficient to look for information on what animals are permitted as target for this year and next year. It can be done by consulting bulletins or by attending meetings of international hunters in Safari Club International, a hunting club for hunters from all over the world to exchange information. They hold an annual conference at the beginning of the year.

All that is needed is money, in the form of several hundred thousand U.S. dollars.

The above is an excerpt from the upcoming Tiara lifestyle biweekly. The article and sidebars will appear in the magazine when it goes on sale Wednesday. It is printed here courtesy of Tiara.