Zarkasih quits post at Taekwondo body

Zarkasih quits post at Taekwondo body

JAKARTA (JP): Ahmad Zarkasih Hamid has resigned from his post
of secretary-general of the Indonesian Taekwondo Association (TI)
as of Aug. 1, saying he wanted to focus on his business.

TI chairman Suharto appointed chief of student and college
division Adrian Lumowa to replace Zarkasih until new management
could be set up in the national congress in 2001.

Apart from the career reason, there has been an allegation
that Zarkasih was involved in smuggling Indonesian workers
abroad. The workers were identified as athletes and sports
officials competing in overseas tournaments. Zarkasih has refused
to comment on the matter.

"My resignation has nothing to do with it," he told The
Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

"For several months, I have been neglecting my work at an
attorney's office. Moreover, I have started a new business and it
needs my full concentration. I'm not chasing big cash but I want
to sharpen my expertise," he added.

Zarkasih said he would help out whenever TI asked him to.

Adrian did not give a clear-cut explanation of the allegation,
but he said the case was being handled by Suharto, who is also
the inspector general at the Ministry of Defense.

"We know there is an allegation that illegal migrant workers
were sent along with Indonesian contingents to the Inter-
University Tae Kwon Do Championships. Our chairman has verified
the allegation, and the secretary-general withdraw during this
process," he said.

Adrian was referring to the Sixth World Tae Kwon Do Inter-
University Championships in Kaohsiung, China Taipei, in March,
where he was the training director.

He said every name submitted to participate in an event is
approved by the chairman and signed by the secretary-general.

"I can't tell you anything before Pak Suharto gives an
explanation. I don't want to precede him," he said.

Adrian also said that TI was notified by the National Sports
Council (KONI) about the allegation.

KONI Secretary-General Rudolf S. Warouw said in June that he
would clarify the allegation with the related institution. KONI
issues a confirmation letter to the immigration department, which
is approved by the office of the state minister of youth affairs
and sports, on the list of athletes to compete overseas. (ivy)