Strong figure needed to lead KONI
Strong figure needed to lead KONI
JAKARTA (JP): A strong and disciplined leader is needed at the helm of the National Sports Council (KONI) if Indonesia wants to improve its sports performance, according to a renowned sports expert.
"Such a leader will encourage the striving for the highest achievement among athletes," Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, who has been much involved in national sports development for 30 years, said yesterday.
"A KONI president does not always have expertise in sports, but takes care of sports and has a lot of experience in managing sports organizations," Siregar said.
Siregar, a former KONI secretary general and the Badminton Association of Indonesia top official in the 1980s, ruled out the leadership pattern followed in China and other extra-rigorous models. "We have our own way, the Indonesian style," he said.
As KONI prepares for the election of its new president next week, Siregar hinted that Wismoyo Arismunandar, Army Chief of Staff and former chairman of the Indonesian Judo Association, meets the requirements for the top post.
"Rejuvenation in KONI seems to be unavoidable," said Siregar. He agreed with the growing public sentiment that KONI should have a young commander in place of the incumbent Surono.
"Top officials in state administration or the military undoubtedly have leadership capability," Siregar added. Wismoyo was chairman of the judo association for 12 years from 1982.
KONI will elect its leadership board for the 1994-1988 term during a three-day congress which starts on Monday. President Soeharto is scheduled to formally open the meeting.
Bottom-up
Siregar said that Wismoyo qualifies for the KONI presidency also because of his relentless efforts to nurture provincial talent. "KONI now needs a figure who is able to foster national sports development from the bottom up, something that KONI has so far failed to do," Siregar said.
Vice Secretary of the Indonesian Taekwondo Association Hanafi M. Saud agreed with the idea of a greening of KONI's administration, saying that his association would "put its weight behind a young figure who is able to motivate solid teamwork and accommodate the various interests of KONI and its chapters."
Hanafi included Wismoyo among his association's preferred candidates.
The congress will choose an electoral board comprising a a maximum of three members. Only 77 out of the congress' 576 participants have the right to vote. The board will announce the make-up of KONI's leadership board shortly after the congress.
"It's better if the team of three consult with Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports before naming KONI's new president," said Siregar. (amd)