Top shuttlers boycott party over contract deal dispute

JAKARTA (JP): Apparently unhappy with a contract deal, many top shuttlers refused to attend a New Year's party held by Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

Hermawan Susanto, one of the 14 top shuttlers who did not attend the party Friday, said yesterday 50 shuttlers and eight coaches have not received any payment from the contract deal signed between PBSI and a firm.

The other players who refused the invitation were women shuttlers Susi Susanti, Mia Audina, Laela Djajawidjaja and Cindana, along with Joko Supriyanto, Antonius, Deni Kantono, Ricky A Subagdja, Rexy Mainaky, Jeffer Rosobin, Budi Santoso, Sigit, Indra Wijaya and Chandra Wijaya from the men's side.

"The deal was on a three-month basis, where only players attending the training session receive a certain sum of money every three months. The first deal covered last August, September and October, but the players did not receive any money," Antara news agency quoted Hermawan as saying.

"The deal also includes a contract for November, December and January 1997, which has not been signed by PBSI with the firm," Hermawan added.

Hermawan did not elaborate on the amount of money the shuttlers should have received for every three months. He only said PBSI had received Rp 600 million from Yonex, a sports equipment company.

"The Rp 600 million was to be paid to Indonesian players included in the top 16 on the list of IBF rankings. This amount has not even been given to the shuttlers," Hermawan said.

Meanwhile, PBSI chairman Soerjadi said Friday he will personally take up the matter of the contract deal with the association.

"Actually, I am very disappointed with the top shuttlers who did not attend the party. As for the dissatisfaction of the players not receiving any money from the deal, I will have talks with the association. Hopefully, the matter can be solved soon," Soerjadi said.

The PBSI chairman urged that the matter should not be turned into a conflict because he is still investigating the cause of the problem. "I hope the players' disappointment was only because of miscommunication or misunderstanding."

As for the top shuttlers' absence from the party, Soerjadi said there will be no action taken against them, since this is not included as an indisciplinary action.

"No action will be taken against them. I will talk personally to the shuttlers like a father," Soerjadi said.

Icuk Sugiarto, a former world badminton champion, was of the same opinion as Soerjadi that the matter should be discussed separately.

"The party was not intended as a gathering to discuss the contract deal. If the shuttlers are not satisfied with the deal, let them talk with the PBSI separately," Icuk said.

Icuk further said the shuttlers' boycott of the party was initially instigated by a third party. "I believe there must be someone behind the boycott. The most important thing is that there should be a forum meeting between the shuttlers and PBSI." (lnt)