Indonesia launches military sport committee

Indonesia established a sport committee aimed at handling servicemen taking part in international sports event with initial deployment in Military Olympics scheduled for 2011, a minister said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng said that government expects The Indonesian Military Sport Committee (KOMI) would provide significant contribution to the country's huge efforts in gaining impressive achievements in international sport events.

"With the existence of KOMI, it is highly expected that the military (TNI) would supply qualified athletes from the troops who are eligible to vie in international sports events," Andi was quoted by the Antara news service in his remarks to set up the committee here.

Through the KOMI, Indonesian military has a responsibility in developing the national sports, including to train national athletes so as to have high determination both in their national and international performance, Andi said.

Indonesian military commander General Djoko Santoso, who witnessed the launching and signed the MoU on the KOMI establishment with the government, said that performing and winning in international sport events is part of patriotism.

"There is similarity between military and sport value, that is nationalism. Both of them engage huge efforts to defend national interests. In sports, it is translated by pursuing achievements in international events," Djoko said.

Source: Xinhua