Suwisma likely to keep Pertina chairmanship

Suwisma likely to keep Pertina chairmanship

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertini) is likely to
remain under the leadership of Sang Nyoman Suwisma, the incumbent
chairman, for the next four years as the two-star general is to
run for reelection during the next association's congress.

Previously, there had been some confusion over the issue of
the chairmanship ahead of the two-day congress, which will begin
at the Hotel Indonesia on Friday.

Suwisma, currently the Territorial Assistant to the Army
chief, had before been reported, as revealed by deputy secretary-
general Didiet Sudijoto, to have decided to stand down so as to
allow another to succeed him in the top post, which he assumed in
1998.

It appeared on Tuesday, however, that he would run again
against the six other candidates. Known for his reticence,
Suwisma initially refused to make a statement, but gave in
eventually.

"We will have seven candidates at the next congress. Two
civilians, two from the police and three from the military,"
Suwisma said prior to a plenary meeting at the National Sports
Council (KONI) headquarters.

He refused, however, to name the other candidates.

"It's not necessary. Let's see at the congress," he said.

He also refused to comment on the likelihood of his being
reelected for a second term.

Despite Suwisma's statement that all the candidates had an
equal chance, Pertina would appear to be poised to reelect him.

"I want a person I know well, someone who has better qualities
than me, works better than me," he said, adding that by saying
this he was not ruling out a figure from outside Pertina.

The congress will also discuss the ongoing training camp where
three boxers are preparing for the 2002 Asian Games in Busan,
South Korea.

The three are Bara Gomies, Willem Papilaya and Bonyx Saweho.
Seven boxers had originally joined the camp at its start in
January. Deemed to be not up to the mark, four were dismissed,
with the last being Stevie Binalay, who left the team a couple of
weeks ago.