Sport broadcasts unite the nation

Sport broadcasts unite the nation

From Suara Karya

In the midst of a heated political atmosphere, Indonesia has
been entertained by the recent performances of its badminton
payers that could be observed at the Sanyo Open Badminton
Tournament in Jakarta on the evening of July 23. Indonesia
succeeded in winning two titles: the men's singles thanks to
Taufik Hidayat, and the doubles, thanks to the duo of Candra
Wijaya and Tony Gunawan.

Taufik's impressive performance made us proud when he beat the
Malaysian player Ong Ewe Hock in the finals. Likewise, Candra and
Tony's play was exemplary when beating Plandi Limpele and Eng
Hian. Their success might sooth the people's "irritated" hearts
caused by the never ending political disputes of the elite.

Congratulations to RCTI for broadcasting this international
event live. As a sports fan I was entertained by the program of
international tournaments between global shuttlers we haven't
seen for a long time.

Prior to this, Indonesians were also lucky to be able to enjoy
live TV broadcasts of the finals of the Bank Mandiri Soccer
League at Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, on July 23, between PSM
Makasar and Pupuk Kaltim. PSM won 3-2.

Though the attractiveness and quality of Indonesian soccer is
still far below that on display at Euro 2000, in terms of the
national standard, the performance of Kurniawan and their friends
was good. It had its own attractive power and gives us cause for
optimism for the development of Indonesian soccer.

Live TV broadcasts involving national athletes need to be
boosted. Besides providing cheap entertainment for the people,
live sports broadcasts like this, whether people realize it or
not, can strengthen the ties of unity and integrity of the
Indonesian nation.

TONY ASMARA BANGUN

Jakarta