'Sports yet to develop into industry'

'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