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TNI chief Djoko closer to PBSI post
National Military (TNI) chief Gen
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National Military (TNI) chief Gen. Djoko Santoso is reported to have agreed to run for the chairmanship of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), after attending a meeting with the association's board members Wednesday.
"We just had a meeting with Pak Djoko in Cilangkap, Bogor, to confirm his interest in joining the national convention on Nov. 14 and 15, for the (PBSI chairmanship) position," PBSI secretary-general Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar told the press in Jakarta.
"Witnessed by Pak Sutiyoso (incumbent PBSI chairman), the PBSI board of advisers and representatives of some PBSI chapters, Pak Djoko declared his acceptance," he said.
Siregar said Djoko's plan to run had been supported by 23 of the 33 PBSI chapters.
"Those 23 chapters have sent formal letters directly to Pak Djoko, stating their full support for him to run for the position," he added.
Another PBSI official Kusdarto said another 10 chapters, including Lampung, Jambi and West Sumatra, were expected to follow suit.
"I believe Jambi will send a letter of confidence as soon as they know of Djoko's acceptance of his nomination," Kusdarto said.
Asked about whether Djoko's current military position could be a barrier to his candidacy, Siregar said that based on the national sporting regulation (SKN) and the newly implemented state ministry law, the army chief should be eligible.
"SKN excludes those who are in a position in a ministry at the same level as the top position of the National Sports Council (KON) and regional sport councils, while the ministry law prohibits them from running an institution that receives state funds," Siregar said, adding that PBSI, as an independent body, did not fall within that category.
Djoko would probably be up against former star Icuk Sugiarto, who announced his candidacy in August.
However, Icuk might face a blockade during the convention as he is still subject to administrative penalties by the PBSI.
The 1983 world champion has been subject to disciplinary action since 2006 when he was alleged to have violated PBSI statutes by making false accusations against board members during a national meeting in Medan.
Icuk has since been nonactive in his position as chairman of the Jakarta badminton chapter, which, according to Siregar, could also make him ineligible to run for the position of PBSI chairman.
"I'm not saying that Icuk is forbidden from running (for the position). It depends on the members of the convention. If the members agree to let Icuk go forward, then he may get his rights back for the election," said Siregar recently.
