Sports community hopes Gus Dur will back sports

JAKARTA (JP): Sports officials and athletes are hopeful that newly elected President Abdurrahman Wahid, a former soccer columnist, will pay more attention to sports development than B.J. Habibie.

National Sports Council (KONI) secretary-general Rudolf Warouw said on Wednesday he was confident that Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, loved sports and would make an effort to improve the economy and political situation to create a conducive environment for sports activities to be held.

"I have read Gus Dur's columns on soccer matches and they were quite good. I believe he is also a sports fan. I hope he will pay more attention to our sports development and will give priority to sports development in his Cabinet programs," he said.

"We can take an example from the Malaysian government which had the political will to develop sports and even host Formula One Grand Prix."

Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) secretary-general Tri Goestoro expressed hope that the security situation in the capital would return to normal soon to allow PSSI to stage the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina).

"I know Gus Dur's concerns about sports development. A few years ago, he was a soccer columnist in a local newspaper despite his tight schedule as a religious leader. He can do many things for sports development, but the most important is that he is committed to it," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Executive chairman of the Indonesian Wrestling Association (PGSI) Endro Sumardjo requested KONI submit a proposal on training to the President.

"I'm sure Gus Dur won't neglect sports development, but KONI should offer a good concept (on sports development) to the government," he said.

Similar hopes were voiced by athletes and former athletes who were interviewed shortly after the counting of the ballots concluded on television.

Most of them said they wanted the new government to ensure security for the regular holding of sports events.

Former national soccer player Herry Kiswanto hoped the new government could overcome the political and economic crisis and improve sports management.

"I hope the government will pay attention to sports management, particularly for soccer. The government might also make soccer reign in Asia," he said.

Soccer player Bambang Pamungkas said: "At least the police could issue permits to stage various soccer competitions and we could play in a safe environment."

Tennis player Liza Andriyani also shared Bambang's view.

"I hope there will be more tennis tournaments because I make my living from competing."

Karateka Umar Syarif said: "I hope the President could better the welfare of all the athletes. I hope Indonesia could gain a spot in the world. Athletes can also bring honor to this country."

Most athletes were surprised that Abdurrahman beat the public's favorite Megawati Soekarnoputri from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

Liza, who had just returned from competing in the Indonesia Women's Circuit 4 at the Danamon tennis complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, said: "I never expected him to win. I know Gus Dur has health problems but I think he is very intelligent."

Herry, who apparently missed the television broadcast, said: "I thought it was Mega (Megawati). It's very surprising."

Warouw praised the voting procedure as "democratic".

"The new President is the people's choice. The procedure was done democratically," said the retired Army brigadier general. (ivy)