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)