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.