'Sports yet to develop into industry'

Legislators last week approved a bill on sports which, among other things, requires that the government provide pensions for national athletes and organizations involved in developing the country's sports. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents to get their views on the issue.

Kaezar Maulana, 30, is a professional working for the Indonesian AIDS Committee.

We have to admit that sports have not developed into an industry here. That's why most of our athletes cannot rely on only being professional sportspeople.

It will take political will from the government to build up the field as a potential industry. Because as soon as the government makes a move, business entities will follow suit. Currently, there are only very few fields in sports that receive support from companies.

Such support will encourage athletes to perform their best and work just like a professional would.

I Nyoman Damarsani, 25, is an engineer at an automotive company. He lives in Sunter, North Jakarta.

Everyone should be concerned about the development of sports in Indonesia. Actually, sports could attract a far wider audience here, since our community lacks entertainment.

It depends on how they package the events.

By attracting a wider audience, the associations or the organizers can provide better remuneration for their athletes.

The welfare of athletes should not rely on some government bill because the realization of such laws is often vague. There needs to be a move from both businesses that have benefited from sports events, as well as sports fans.

--The Jakarta Post