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Indonesia’s athletics association sets stage for Luhut Pandjaitan as new chairman
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Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan gives a speech in Jakarta on Nov. 19. During the speech, he said the government would not sacrifice the environment for economic development. (Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Ministry/-)
T
he Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) is soon to formally elect Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan as its new chief, replacing acting chief Zacky Anwar Makarim, who was entrusted with the leadership baton following PASI’s influential chief Mohammad "Bob" Hasan, who died on March 31 last year.
PASI spokesman Hendri Firzani said Luhut’s complex background and track record as a capable figure has apparently been able to lure support from members of PASI regional branches. He said all 34 PASI regional branch members have tendered their official support for the ex-army general.
“Pak Luhut will be officially named as the new chairman through the PASI virtual congress on Monday,” he said.
Luhut himself, through an official letter, has agreed to the association’s offer.
Congress organizer Umarsono acknowledged that they were going virtual due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. He further said the congress would be opened by Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) chief Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marciano Norman. Marciano will also be the one who installs Luhut as chief for the 2021-2025 tenure.
PASI secretary-general Tigor Tanjung said that the association had also approached other candidates for the positions. However, he went on, only Luhut had come forward and shown enthusiasm over the role.
He confirmed that Luhut’s comprehensive background as an army general, as Indonesia’s ambassador for Singapore under BJ Habibie’s presidency and as trade and industry minister under Abdurrahman Wahid’s presidency qualified Luhut and contributed to him being deemed a reliable leader for the organization.
