Ketum Perbasi Optimistic WADA Sanctions Can Be Resolved

JAKARTA - Chairman of PP Perbasi Danny Kosasih admitted that he is not too concerned about the sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Indonesian basketball and believes that the problem can be immediately resolved through government initiatives through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Personally, Danny is only worried that WADA's sanctions will have a long-term impact on Indonesia when it hosts the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup -- which has been postponed to next year -- and the 2023 World Cup.

"I don't think there's anything wrong, I should, because that's the relationship between institutions and the state, there's no relationship with us Perbasi or FIBA," said Danny when met on the sidelines of the Plenary Meeting & Perbasi's 70th Anniversary in Robinson Cisarua Resort, Bogor, Saturday, October 23.

"It's still okay to use the name Indonesia, maybe the flag can't be hoisted when you win.

"The only thing I'm afraid of is when we hold it here. If we go outside, I don't think there is any difference, they are still welcome," he added.

Danny's conviction was proven, among other things, by the positive response Perbasi got for the plan to procure the men's basketball national team training center (TC) to the United States.

"We contacted America, they said it was okay, just come," he said.

A similar belief was voiced by the Secretary General of PP Perbasi, Nirmala Dewi, who acknowledged her concerns along with her belief in the steps taken by the Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali to conduct an acceleration and investigation team related to WADA sanctions.

"Regarding WADA, in essence, we support what the Menpora is doing. It is true that there are concerns, but we believe in Mr. Menpora and the team that was formed yesterday," said Nirmala.

"Hopefully that trust will produce good results," he added.

Previously, the impact of WADA's sanctions imposed on Indonesia regarding non-compliance with the Indonesian Anti-Doping Agency (LADI) meeting the minimum sampling threshold was seen in the prohibition of Sang Saka Merah Putih from being flown during the Thomas Cup team victory ceremony in Denmark.

Menpora formed an acceleration and investigation team to smooth the flow of communication between LADI and WADA.