Sports Bill Passed, House Of Representatives Commission X: Later Supporters Become Part Of Owners Of Sports Clubs, Not Just Teams Hurray

JAKARTA - The Draft Law (RUU) on Sports was ratified in the plenary session of the DPR. This bill was agreed by the DPR and the government as a replacement for the National Sports System Law.

One of the important points in this regulation is the opportunity for supporters to become part of the owner of a sports club, not just as a 'hurray' team.

"There are many important points in this bill, one of which is regarding the placement of supporters to be prioritized as part of the owner of a sports club," said Chairman of Commission X of the DPR Syaiful Huda, Tuesday, February 15.

According to him, so far, sports club supporters have only been used as a crowd or a hurray team. Namely, only used to buy tickets and buy club merchandise.

In fact, said Huda, the supporters have tremendous potential both in the context of emotional ties and economic potential that can be used to grow the sports club itself.

"If they are given the opportunity as club owners, the emotional attachment of supporters is directed to more positive things, including maintaining their attitude so that it does not harm the club itself," he said.

In addition to the management of supporters, Huda explained, the Sports Bill also contains several important points in the development of sports in the country. Among other things, about strengthening sport as a profession so that athletes get more adequate protection in the National Social Security System (SJSN).

“So far, sport has only been interpreted as a hobby, not a profession, so it is not included in the National Social Security System. By affirming sport as a profession, athletes are entitled to social security facilities such as BPJS Health and BPJS Employment," explained Huda.

"The awards to them are not only short-term such as bonuses, promotions, or honors, but also old age guarantees when they retire as athletes," he continued.

The PKB politician revealed that the Sports Bill also contains sources of funding for sports development in Indonesia. Regarding funding, the Sports Bill mandates the existence of a sports trust fund that is managed professionally by non-governmental institutions.

That way, according to Huda, various grants given by third parties can be managed by this institution so that it becomes a source of funding for sports management in addition to funds from the government.

“This Sports Trust Fund is to ensure that the national sports management fund is more transparent and professional. In addition, third parties can also directly provide grants to the management of sports branches at the central level. At the regional level, this contribution still has to go through KONI-KOI," he explained.

Then, continued Huda, in this bill there are also arrangements regarding the design of national sports for the center and regional sports designs for provincial/district/city areas. In addition, it is also regulated that district/city Regional Governments are required to manage at least 2 (two) leading sports at a national and/or international standard.

"With a coaching model like this, the development of achievement sports can be carried out in stages and not just the responsibility of the central government," he said.

Huda ensured that the Sports Bill would serve as an umbrella for the development of sports that are more adaptive to the times. The indicator is that this bill mandates the existence of big data in the development and development of sports in the country.

"Big Data or this integrated National Sports data system contains data on the guidance, development, awards, and welfare of Athletes and Sports Doers," he said.

Huda added that the Sports Bill also contains provisions regarding e-Sports or sports based on digital/electronic technology, whose ecosystem is currently developing significantly in the country. According to him, the development of e-sports must be given special attention so that this sport has a positive impact and minimizes its negative potential for the younger generation in the country.

"We hope that with this Bill on Sports, the development and management of sports in the country will enter a new chapter that is more constructive and strategic in terms of achievement, protection of athletes and supporters, and inviting the public to like sports as part of the effort to live a healthy life," he concluded.