J

AKARTA: State oil company Pertamina has given an additional Rp 2 billion (US$219,000) to support the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) for further development of the sport in the country.

Pertamina, which has served as a so-called “foster parent” to Indonesian badminton since preparation began for the recent 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), hoped that Indonesian shuttlers would maintain their spirit and continue to work hard to regain the nation’s achievements demonstrated within the sport during the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Indonesia has a potential future in badminton, but recently we have not performed well enough. It requires strong desire to reach achievement,” Pertamina president director Karen Agustiawan said while extending support to the sports federation in Jakarta on Sunday.

As foster parent, Pertamina had previously donated Rp 2 billion to support the SEA Games preparations.

PBSI chief Joko Santoso appreciated Pertamina’s consistent assistance after the Games. “We will make an assessment over the use of all financial support. We have four posts of expenses, which are sending shuttlers to matches overseas, sending coaches and referees to various training sessions, health-related needs, as well as organizing regular training, including hiring motivators,” Joko told reporters.

Joko said that the association could spend up to Rp 40 billion a month when it needs to send athletes to overseas tournaments.

PBSI thus far sees Yonex and Djarum as its main sponsors.