Jasa Marga distributes cash to former athletes

JAKARTA. In commemoration of state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga 35th anniversary, the firm handed over certificates and Rp 50 million (US$5,167) in cash each to 15 former athletes who had won international accolades but who today find themselves in straitened circumstances.

The athletes comprise Leni Haini (dragon boat); Tatok Hardiyanto (table tennis); Suharto, R. Sudaryanto, Entjang Durachman, Aming Priatna, Moch. Yusup (cycling); Jumain (rowing); Jimmy Sinantan and Nico Thomas (boxing); Marina Segedi (Pencak Silat); Semuel Elia and Hapsani (track and field); Wimpi Wungow (body building) and Abdul Rojak (Taekwondo).

Despite their international achievements, most of the athletes live below the poverty line due to low educational achievements. Leni for example, with only an elementary school education, works as a cleaner in Jambi and her child suffers from epidermolysis.

Leni was a gold medalist in the 1998 world dragon boat competition in Taiwan and the 1999 SEA Games.

Marina Segedi, a gold medalist in the 1981 SEA Games in Singapore, who works as a driver, couldn’t hold back her tears upon receiving the money.

“I’m surprised by the amount,” said the 49-year-old woman, adding that she would use the money for her retirement days.

The certificates were handed over by State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan at the National Sports Council (KONI) headquarters in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

“Indonesia has many athletes with good achievements. We have to respect their achievements so that we can encourage young athletes,” said Dahlan.

President director of Jasa Marga, Adityawarman, said the firm decided to commemorate its anniversary by sharing with citizens who had contributed to Indonesia at international events.

“It is appropriate to share our profits with these athletes,” he said. “Hopefully we can give a bigger amount next year.”

KONI Chairman Tono Suratman expressed his gratitude to Jasa Marga.

“Through such an event, KONI needs to work harder to raise funds for former athletes who have won medals for the country,” he said. (Amahl S. Azwar)