Feature Stories

Djoko Pramono: Indonesia takes merit of others' progress in Thai rivalry

Posted : 19 Nov 2011 15:15:31

Palembang (UR): The performance of Indonesian athletes at the 26th SEA Games has been hailed as outstanding as they push the country toward the brink of becoming overall Games champion.

The achievement is not the product of instant training, but of a far-reaching and well-planned scheme.

While athletes deserve praise for their performance, a word of thanks should go to Djoko Pramono, who heads the sports development department of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI).

Djoko is no stranger to the world of Indonesian and Southeast Asian sports. He once headed the national training camp ahead of Indonesia’s overall win at the 1997 SEA Games.

At the 26^th SEA Games, he is a deputy head of the SEA Games Organizing Committee (Inasoc). In an interview with United & Rising in Palembang on Friday, Djoko cited key factors behind Indonesia’s success so far.

What factors paved the way for Indonesia to be in a position where it can clinch the overall championship in the 26^th SEA Games?

There are three factors that have boosted Indonesia’s winning chances. First, the big difference in the medal collection between Indonesia and main rival Thailand. As of 3 o’clock on Friday afternoon, Indonesia has pocketed 116 gold, 86 silver and 77 bronze medals. Vietnam is in second place with 69 gold, 64 silver and 66 bronze medals, followed by Thailand in third place with 64 gold, 59 silver and 71 bronze medals. I think it’s difficult to pass Indonesia now.

Vietnam and Singapore have shown important progress, meaning Thailand no longer dominates in its traditional stronghold events. These two countries automatically chip away at Thailand’s potential gold medals in a number of events.

Another factor is that Indonesia still has some events with good prospects for gold. For example, beach volleyball, weightlifting and water skiing. Our volleyball team beat Thailand in the semifinal. This is the advantage that will not only give us a chance to earn more gold, but also reduce Thailand’s chances.

Indonesia is in the driving seat in the medal hunt. How certain are you that Indonesia will win?

It is true we are far ahead of Thailand and Vietnam in the medal hunt. But I don’t want to say for sure Indonesia will be the overall winner.

When can you be certain of it?

I will be certain when Indonesia has collected more than 140 gold medals. That will guarantee Indonesia’s championship. I’m happy to see that Indonesia’s medal collection could reach that amount before the last day of the Games.

We still have some more gold to dig up later.

How do you feel about the performance of Indonesia’s athletes?

I think it’s weird and funny because we achieved the result with spotty support. Our funding came in late, for example. But when it did come, it made us strong and excited to work harder and to find solutions and not complain.

Indeed, our success so far, which we hope will continue, is a blessing. Maybe God is trying our patience by delaying funds and equipment. But sports organizers, managers, trainers and athletes found their own solutions and didn’t give up.

What sort of complaints are there of the implementation of the competitions?

I’m here in Palembang to support the athletes and the members of the organizing committee, including the organizers at the venues. Every day I go around inspecting the venues and we have received no complaints so far.

The current board members of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) end their term in December. How has it performed?

Despite the drawbacks, it has focused on development. If Indonesia becomes the overall winner at the SEA Games, KONI has played a role in this achievement.

Before the National Sports Conference in Lombok in December, who is the frontrunner to be the next chair of KONI?

The chair will be elected by members of KONI in accordance with existing regulations. The next chairman should not have any conflicts of interest, including in business dealings, so he can concentrate on taking care of sports.

There’s no shortcut for anyone. For example, if a chairman is involved in politics, then he should leave KONI. We won’t let people chair KONI only to seek a higher position in other fields.