JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainuddin Amali regretted the incident that happened to the Indonesian badminton team because they were forced to withdraw from the All England 2021 tournament.
"The government deeply regrets what the Indonesian badminton team has experienced, which is not because of their fault but they have to bear the consequences. I think this is very unfortunate," said Menpora Zainuddin Amali in a virtual press conference, Thursday, March 18.
According to Amali, both the organizers and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) should be able to see more objectively what happened.
"Not immediately hit flat. Moreover, there is information that there are people or athletes from other countries who are also on the same plane as the Indonesian badminton team, but they are allowed to play. I understand the feelings of Indonesian teammates who are being treated unfairly," explained Amali. .
In addition, continued Amali, every flight should have implemented a strict system for all passengers who will use the airline. But apparently, there was one person who was found to be positive for COVID-19 so that it had an impact on the Indonesian team.
"If the news is true that there is an airplane with our team playing from another country that is allowed, of course this is felt to be unfair," said the former Chairman of Commission II of the DPR.
Amali revealed that Kemenpora had communicated with the embassy regarding what really happened. "We understand that each country has rules, but if it turns out that someone is treated differently, of course we have to question this," said Amali.
Amali also asked the management of the PBSI Federation to question BWF both international and badminton federations in Asia.
"The information that I got the President of BWF Asia is an Indonesian, Mr. Anton Subowo. I ask to clarify this, not to let speculation arise, because indeed Indonesia is known as a country that has considerable power to be reckoned with in the badminton sport. Then there are ways to do it. unfair ways that are treated to our team, "explained Amali.
Menpora hopes that this incident is really due to the existing regulations. He is also very concerned and regretful about the rules that have been accepted by the Indonesian badminton team.
"And even though that, the committee should have known that there are state rules at the venue, have provided guidance to participating countries to prepare themselves according to the guidelines. So that if there is quarantine it will not harm the participating countries. Especially us, Indonesia," concluded Amali .
Previously, Indonesian Manager Ricky Soebagdja stated that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) could not do much when the Indonesian Team was forced to withdraw from All England.
The Indonesian team was forced to withdraw from All England because it was known that there were positive cases on the flight the Indonesian squad was carrying from Istanbul to Birmingham.
A number of Indonesian squad members received emails from the British Government regarding information that they had to undergo independent isolation for 10 days. This was because someone tested positive on the same flight the Indonesian squad was boarding.
"The email from the British government, the impact on our team and the impact is very, very detrimental. BWF can not do much with the problems we face today," said Indonesian manager Ricky Soebagdja.
Ricky stated that 20 of the 24 people in the Indonesian squad received an email notification from the British government regarding the mandatory 10-day self-isolation.
"There are some of us who did not get an email. The results of the email stated 10 days of isolation. Incidentally after the last time Ahsan / Hendra played, all (the Indonesian squad) had to isolate at the hotel. Once asked to the committee, BWF could not do much because they said rule from the British Government, "said Ricky.
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