TV should support RI athletes

After reading the article No Olympic TV upsets RI athletes (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 5), I felt sad, mad and ashamed at the same time. (TV stations) Stop dreaming only of profit. We have dreams too, for the success of our athletes. After all, TV stations make ample profit from various commercials and public service announcements.

It is high time that TV stations gave something back to the community. They should think about the public and support our athletes, who are competing and representing Indonesia at an international event. The funny thing is, TV stations spend thousands of dollars broadcasting other events, such as the World Cup and Euro 2004, which Indonesia is not even participating in.

I agree 100 percent with the athletes, and share their disappointment. They deserve our support. I, as an Indonesian, would really like to see for myself how our athletes do in Athens. I think all of us (Indonesians and expatriates) would like to see our heroes perform at the Olympics. Let me remind you, this is an event that unites the world's people under the true spirit of sportsmanship.

ADILA ARIEF DJALIL Jakarta