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.