Susilo rejects nomination as PBSI chairman

Susilo rejects nomination as PBSI chairman

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono has turned down his nomination as the next
chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), citing
his already hectic schedule as a minister.

"Pak Susilo does not have any intention, or personal
motivation, to suddenly nominate himself as PBSI chairman,"
Susilo's private secretary Harsanto Adi said in a written
statement on behalf of the minister on Thursday.

"He fully respects the ongoing democratic electoral process in
accordance with the PBSI's own system and mechanisms," he added.

The PBSI is slated to elect its new chairman replacing
incumbent Subagyo Hadisiswoyo during its national congress to be
held from Friday through Sunday.

In a surprising move, the Jakarta chapter of the PBSI
announced on Wednesday its nomination of Susilo, a retired Army
general, in place of its original candidate, badminton figure
Justian Suhandinata. The other contestant is businessman Chairul
Tanjung, who has received support from, among other areas, West
Java.

The chapter argued that Susilo was the right figure who could
reconcile opposing factions in the PBSI that might hinder present
and future badminton development. The choice of Susilo was
recommended by the National Sports Council (KONI)'s Wismoyo
Arismunandar.

According to Harsanto, Wismoyo called Susilo on Tuesday asking
him to accept the nomination.

In his response, Susilo said it would be better if KONI
gathered more information from the PBSI about how serious the
internal conflict was within the PBSI.

Susilo also told Wismoyo that he had rejected nominations for
executive posts in several sports organizations saying his
current position made him very busy.

"While Pak Susilo was waiting for information from the PBSI,
his nomination by the Jakarta chapter was published by the
media," said Harsanto.

"Pak Susilo wishes to express his gratitude to the Jakarta
chapter for wishing to nominate him despite the fact that there
has been no prior meeting between them or a statement of
willingness on his behalf.

"It is in the best interests and for the unity of the PBSI
that Pak Susilo wishes to be decline the nomination."

PBSI chapter spokesman Icuk Sugiarto told The Jakarta Post on
Thursday that he had not heard about Susilo's rejection and was
still waiting to have a meeting with the minister.

"I haven't received the news yet but I don't think it is a big
problem. We just wanted to keep the PBSI united by nominating Pak
Susilo," he said. "We will just continue with our initial plan to
nominate Pak Justian."

Icuk said the Jakarta chapter's sudden change was made after
considering current developments which could lead to a
polarization between the supporters of Justian and Chairul.

"We could avoid a split by electing Pak Susilo. We were
expecting him to be a patron for both sides," he said. "Everybody
would be happy that way."

Separately, the West Java chapter chairman, Lutfi Hamid,
played down fears of a split within the PBSI, saying the
organization remained united and solid.

"It's fine if there are some difference between us, and these
don't mean that we are going to break up." he said.

Lutfi also claimed the support of 20 chapters for Chairul's
nomination.