Sinambela committed to sports development
JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela said on Tuesday he would be committed to sports development in his new post for the term of 1999 to 2004.
Sinambela, who recently learned of his appointment on Tuesday morning from Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, was a close assistant to Akbar, the former state minister of youth affairs and sports in the 1980s.
"I will commit myself to sports because, so far, sports development in the country has been shoved aside," he told reporters at his residence in East Jakarta.
Citing an example, Sinambela said soccer fields have changed to malls as a result of the impact of economic development.
"However, it's not merely the government's fault. It was because of the impact of the fast growing economy at the time," he said.
Separately, the National Sports Council (KONI) secretary- general, Rudolf S. Warouw, and sports observer Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar both expressed hope on Tuesday that Sinambela would be able to push House of Representative members to issue a Sports Law.
The law, which is needed to develop sports in the country, was submitted to the House in early 1990, but there has been no progress.
It is a heavy responsibility to try issue the law for Sinambela, a deputy secretary-general of the Golkar Party.
"There is a lot of homework that must be finished by the new minister. He should not only issue political statements but also get involved in sport activities," Siregar said.
Both Siregar and Warouw expressed satisfaction with President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri's decision to retain the existence of the office of the state minister of youth affairs and sports.
"By retaining the minister's office, the new government has shown a great interest in sports development. President Abdurrahman has cut the size of the Cabinet, but he kept the office of the state minister of youth affairs and sports. It's a good sign from him to show his attention to sports. I believe he is a sports fan," said Warouw.
"With the office remaining in the Cabinet means the government has shown a good indication to develop sports," Siregar said. "If the government is not able to provide financial assistance, I think it can provide facilities for the sports community."
An example Siregar suggested was exempting athletes who are competing abroad from paying fiscal taxes. Other examples included giving full scholarships to athletes, a 50 percent discount for airplane and train tickets and promoting athletes who are military officers.
Meanwhile, Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) secretary- general Trie Goestoro said PSSI would remain professional although chairman Agum Gumelar was named the transportation minister.
"We are proud that Pak Agum has been named a minister. I hope his appointment will boost our motivation to work better," he told Antara.
Trie said although Agum would be busier with his new task as minister, he still showed commitment in observing soccer development.
He also said PSSI would not benefit from Agum's appointment as minister.
Siregar said Agum could help the sports community by providing facilities and assistance in accordance with his authority. (yan)