Sports must be excluded from politics: Agus

Sports must be excluded from politics: Agus

JAKARTA (JP): Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) vice
chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah said on Wednesday that sports
should not become tangled up in worsening political relations
between Indonesia and Australia.

"Sports must be excluded from political affairs. In the
meantime, before the Olympics open in September next year, I hope
the Indonesian people can calm their emotions about the problem,"
he said.

Agus was responding to a statement by State Minister of Youth
Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono, who said the National Sports
Council (KONI) should reconsider its participation in the
quadrennial event.

A withdrawal would mean Indonesia would miss an almost assured
chance for Olympic gold in badminton in which it has excelled
since the sport made its debut in 1992. It won two golds in 1992
through women's singles player Susi Susanti and men's singles
player Alan Budikusuma. Men's doubles players Ricky Subagja and
Rexy Mainaky won Indonesia's lone gold in the Atlanta Games in
1996.

KONI officials plan to meet Agung on Thursday to clarify the
issue.

Agung said KONI must also consider the athletes' security
during their stay in Sydney for the Games.

"If the situation remains the same as today, I think it's
better if we prioritize our athletes' security during their
participation in the Olympics. We can't tolerate it if the
situation influences their performances," he said.

"With the security consideration, under the same circumstances
as today, it's better if we don't send our athletes there.

"However, it depends on KONI and the government policy on
whether to send the athletes or not."

KONI secretary-general Rudolf S. Warouw is attending the chef
de mission meeting in Sydney until Sept. 25 to discuss
transportation, accommodation and competition schedules for the
athletes.

Separately, men's doubles specialist Candra Wijaya told Suara
Karya daily on Tuesday that he would be disappointed if the
government boycotted the event.

"I will be really disappointed because I have the chance not
only to win the Olympics gold medal but also to boost Indonesia's
image in international sports," he said.

Candra, who now partners Tony Gunawan, was the 1997 world
champion with former partner Sigit Budiarto. He is also an
Olympics Solidarity scholarship recipient.

"With the poor image of our country internationally, we are
expected to improve it, especially from sports events," he said.

Women's tae kwon do athlete Juana Wangsa Putri expressed the
same feeling.

"I will also feel disappointed if KONI won't send us to the
Olympics. I think it's irrelevant to link sports and political
affairs," said Juana, who has qualified for the Olympics.

Juana, who studied at Perbanas Economics College, also plans
to join fellow athletes in staging a demonstration at Agung's
office. (yan)