Taufik in trouble over minor insident

Evi Mariani and Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta

Indonesian top shuttler Taufik Hidayat was reported to the Jakarta Police on Monday due to his involvement in a traffic incident at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, just nine hours prior to his encounter with Chinese contender Bao Chunlai in the Thomas Cup championship.

Jacky Darmawan, Ahmad Kalla's driver, filed a report with the police, saying that Taufik had hit him and banged his car's hood, after he accidentally hit Taufik's car bumper.

He claimed he had already passed the parking gate of the sports complex's East Parking Lot when the parking attendant motioned him to reverse. He reversed the Nissan Infinity car he was driving but hit the front bumper of Taufik's car.

Taufik was furious upon seeing his dented bumper and started an argument with Jacky. The latter claimed that Taufik hit him. Trying to avoid further conflict, Jacky got into the car, but Taufik ran to the front of the car and banged the hood.

Taufik was accused of violating Article 335 of the Criminal Code on unpleasant conduct.

Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) chairman Chairul Tanjung requested the press not to exaggerate the incident. He quoted Taufik, who claimed that he had merely honked at the car to stop reversing.

"I was indeed involved in a clash with the driver when suddenly another motorist showed up and defended the driver who hit my car," Chairul quoted the player as saying. "The man claimed to be a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) and also a relative of (vice presidential candidate) Jusuf Kalla."

"The driver wanted to sue me and asked me to accompany him to the city police headquarters. I agreed to tail his car but the car disappeared on the way to the headquarters."

When asked if Taufik truly hit the driver, Chairul denied it, saying "perhaps they were just pushing each other."

He added there had been no report filed with the police, quoting official sources and clarification from various parties.

When asked why a shuttler -- who was supposedly under quarantine at the Hilton Hotel -- was outside, Chairul said the shuttlers were allowed to buy meals outside the hotel to avoid boredom.

"We provide the shuttlers with cash. Taufik did not break any disciplinary rules," he said, adding that the dispute had been settled.