Subowo appointed new Perpani chairman
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
After weeks of uncertainty, the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani) has confirmed that former banker Atmosardjono Subowo is its new chairman for the 2003-2007 term.
The confirmation of Subowo's appointment was announced by chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Agum Gumelar here on Thursday.
Perpani had turned to Agum for help following a deadlock during its congress on March 20, which resulted in a fallout between former KONI official IGK Manila and the outgoing Perpani chairman Hayono Isman.
"After consultation with the archery authorities, we have decided that Pak Subowo should be the right person for the post. He has pledged his commitment to the sport," Agum told reporters.
Subowo, 67, who was not present during the announcement, was a former director of a private bank. He is currently one of the patrons of the bankers' association Perbanas.
He is also a former official of the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI).
Agum said Subowo, the husband of KONI deputy chairwoman Rita Subowo, had been picked from a two-person shortlist. But he refused to name the other. Instead, Agum said: "it was either Pak Hendri (Pribadi), Hayono, Manila or Arifin (Panigoro)."
Arifin Panigoro, a businessman and a legislator for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Manila and Minister of Trade and Industry Rini Soewandi were considered as possible candidates for the Perpani chairmanship in the lead- up to last month's congress.
Arifin and Rini reportedly withdrew themselves from consideration during the congress, leaving Manila as the only other. However, it seemed that the floor, led by Hayono, blocked him and prompted a stalemate.
"They (Arifin, Rini, Manila, Hayono) are not in the new board but they have promised to help Perpani develop national archery," Agum said.
Archery in Indonesia, is famous for its sensational performance at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, where an Indonesian female team won a silver for the country, the first medal obtained in the Olympics.