Shuttlers decide to give more to association

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's national shuttlers have agreed to double the amount of money they contribute to the Badminton Association of Indonesia in the wake of the rupiah's collapse.

"I was really surprised to learn of their decision. I think it will help them boost their fighting spirit and help them all become better-quality players," said the chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, on Friday.

Previously, the association cut 25 percent of the players' contract money from Japanese sports manufacturer Yonex to finance sports development at the Badminton Training Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta and the development of badminton throughout Indonesia.

Subagyo said that although the association greatly appreciated the shuttlers' gesture it was still not enough.

Due to the rupiah's collapse, the association's budget is three times higher than last year's Rp 5 billion (US$2 million using the old conversion rate of 2,500), to finance the association and Rp 2.8 billion for the athletes development.

Subagyo, accompanied by secretary-general Leo Ch. Wiranata and budget division chairman James T. Riady, explained the financial status of the association to the shuttlers.

"We have to explain it now because the shuttlers need to know our financial situation. And we've explained that we have less money than our expenses this year," he said.

Kompas reported national shuttlers did not mind the contract money being cut as long as the officials could explain clearly and transparently where it went.

Joko Suprianto said: "The idea is good because the association has been helping us so far. I hope it's useful to give 50 percent of our contract money to help the athletes' development program. The shuttlers must also realize that if the association does not have any money, the athletes can't compete in international events."

Susi Susanti, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist and 1996 Olympic bronze medalist, said: "We all have to sacrifice because it's also for our benefit. The most important thing is future national success."

Rexy Mainaky, 1996 Olympic men's doubles gold medalist along with Ricky Subagja, said: "We understand that it's impossible to ask for assistance from conglomerates right now. To send shuttlers to the Japan Open has been hard. We can tolerate the officials' demands."

Women's doubles and mixed doubles player, Finarsih, said: "I can understand the situation. I want to help the association to retain our supremacy. If we don't have enough money to send shuttlers to international events, Indonesia will lose its glorious standing in the world. This is our lives, we have to deal with it." (yan)