Telkomsel provides Rp 500m for RI SEA Games squad

JAKARTA (JP): Cellular operator Telkomsel signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Sports Council (KONI) on the state-owned company's deal to provide Rp 500 million (US$44,250) in cash for Indonesia's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad.

The memorandum was signed by KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar and Telkomsel president Mulia Tambunan on Monday to seal the financial pledge.

"Telkomsel has proven that Indonesian business enterprises are still strongly committed to supporting the country's dignity through sports events despite the ongoing crisis," Wismoyo said in a prepared speech.

"I hope that Telkomsel and other companies will not only provide support for occasional events but also more in a permanent way. Next year we will face the 2002 Pusan Asian Games, which will also require financial support from the private sector."

So far, KONI has collected Rp 28.5 billion of the Rp 48.6 billion needed for its final preparation for the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 Games.

Tambunan said Telkomsel opted to provide financial support as KONI desperately needed cash to finance its contingent to Kuala Lumpur.

"We'll also help promote the event by issuing a series of Simpati pre-paid cards bearing the pictures of four sports: boxing, judo, rowing and volleyball," he said.

"The sports were chosen considering their achievements as well as a bid to popularize them."

Last year, Telkomsel provided 100 post-paid kartuHALO cards worth Rp 3 million for each member of the Indonesian contingent at the Sydney Olympics.

KONI spokesman Ahmed Solichin said the SEA Games ruling committee has decided that athletes will be allowed to wear sponsors' emblems on their sportswear.

"This means that our sponsors receive better exposure as the athletes are allowed to wear the sportswear at medal presentation ceremonies," he said.

In a separate development, KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo told reporters that KONI would soon adjust itself according to newly- signed presidential Decree No.72/2001 citing that KONI will hold the responsibility over both amateur and professional sports.

"First, KONI must adjust its statute and by-laws to include professional sports in KONI following the new presidential decree. There will also be several other consequences for amateur sports," he said.

"KONI must also change its structure or establish a new division to handle professional sports."

Arie also talked of the importance of having discussions with members of the House of Representatives Commission VI on human resources and religious affairs regarding the deliberation of a sports law.

"Actually, a presidential decree is issued after a law is passed to provide detailed regulations. But this time the detailed regulations preceded the law," he said.

"That's why we need to coordinate with House members to avoid overlapping." (nvn)