TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Raja Sapta Oktohari sees smooth path to KOI chief seat
Raja Sapta Oktohari (JP/Bangkit Jaya Putra)The path to the top seat of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) seems to be wide open for Raja Sapta “Okto” Oktohari after the businessman and sports enthusiast received full support from the current chief
Change Size
Raja Sapta Oktohari (JP/Bangkit Jaya Putra)
The path to the top seat of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) seems to be wide open for Raja Sapta “Okto” Oktohari after the businessman and sports enthusiast received full support from the current chief.
Okto, the son of Hanura Party politician and OSO Group owner Oesman Sapta Odang, went all out with a party at a five-star hotel in Central Jakarta on Tuesday evening to announce his candidacy.
The committee elects its chairperson through a vote among its members, which are sport federations. Should no other candidate run for the post, the sole candidate will be elected by acclamation.
Representatives from a number of sport federations attended the announcement event, in which Okto took the chance to convey his mission of pushing for Indonesian athletes to bring home more medals from international events.
The current KOI chief, Erick Thohir, who had been scheduled to attend the event, did not make it, as most roads to the hotel were closed amid student protests. Erick, who is also a businessman, however, sent his blessings for Okto’s candidacy through a video message.
“I believe that the KOI could keep developing and advancing if it had a leadership figure that had commitment, wide knowledge and a [good] track record and was internationally known. [So] I believe Okto is the best figure [to take on the task],” said Erick in a recorded video projected onto a big screen at the gathering on Tuesday evening.
The KOI election for 2019-2023 chairmanship is set to be held on Oct. 9, while Erick’s tenure ends in November.
The 43-year-old Okto has a host of connections with sport in Indonesia.
He began to make a name for himself in sports by promoting a boxing match between Indonesian legend Chris John and Fernando Saucedo in 2010 via his company Mahkota Promotion. In 2011, he received the Asian Promoter of the Year award from the World Boxing Association as the youngest promoter.
In 2018, Okto was named Honorary Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia. In building the country’s boxing scene, Okto has managed several boxers, including Chris’ successor Daud “Cino” Yordan as well as Ambon-born Ongen Saknosiwi, who is expected to follow in Daud’s path.
Okto, who also has an interest in cycling, was elected as chief of the Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) for 2015-2019. Prior to Okto’s captaincy, the ISSI had faced a leadership dispute.
Last year, Indonesia hosted the 18th Asian Games from August to September as well as the third Asian Para Games in October. Erick led the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) while Okto led the Indonesian Para Games Organizing Committee (INAPGOC).
On the business side, Okto is the president director of OSO Group’s PT Citra Putra Realty. In 2011-2014, he took the helm of the Association of Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs (HIPMI).
“The support shown [to me] by the majority of sport federations will be my main responsibility should I become the KOI chief,” said Okto, who led the Indonesian delegation at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
“This is not merely about [handling] a cool position. It comes with a lot of responsibilities. The Southeast Asian Games are approaching. We are also in the last year of the Tokyo Olympics qualifications.
“The upcoming Olympics will be the right moment to gain support and votes [from other countries] to smoothen our bid for the 2032 Olympics,” he added.
Bidding for the KOI’s top post was a “calling”, Okto said, adding that claiming the chair would be his highest achievement in the field of sports.
Several sport federations have voiced their support for Okto’s bid.
Wisnu Wardhana, sport development head of the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI), said under Erick Indonesia had managed to host prestigious international sporting events. He hopes Okto would continue the good trend.
“We’re preparing to host more international events in the future, as we’re also going to bid for hosting the [2032] Olympic Games — in the hope of promoting Indonesia as well as advancing in sports and tourism,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Shooting Association (Perbakin) secretary-general Firtian Judi Swandarta said the sports industry in the country should be led by “crazy” people who were brave enough to make bold decisions.
“I see Okto as a young, successful businessman who is crazy about sports. My hope for the future is that the KOI will be more significant under his leadership,” Fitrian said. “He must be able to create a conducive environment in the country’s sports scene to prevent any dualism of leadership within sport federations, as that could hamper athlete development programs.”
