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