BWF Is Unprofessional, Not Transparent And Discriminative, Menpora: There Are Elements Of Intention To Get Rid Of Indonesia

Menpora Zainudin Amali (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali voiced organizational reform within the World Badminton Federation (BWF) following their unprofessionalism in holding one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, All England 2021.

According to Zainudin, BWF is unprofessional after treating the Indonesian badminton team unfairly in the All England 2021. They as organizers are also considered not responsible for solving the problems that occur.

“BWF is unprofessional, not transparent and discriminatory because there is enough evidence that I dare to say that. Therefore, we are very disappointed with this treatment, BWF should not dispose of the body that is protected by British Government regulations, ”said Zainudin at an online press conference in Jakarta, Friday.

"I ask the NOC (Indonesian Olympic Committee) and PBSI to voice reform at the BWF. This is not something that happens by accident. I see that there is an element of intention to get rid of Indonesia, ”he added.

He also mentioned how Indonesian athletes who had competed were forced to withdraw in the middle of the road. The BWF's unprofessional attitude was made clear when athletes were prohibited from using the lift to leave the arena and had to return to the hotel on foot.

Until now, the Indonesian government is still seeking to clarify the case against the Indonesian team in Birmingham.

Indonesian Ambassador to Britain Desra Percaya has also responded to this case. He asked for the All England 2021 tournament to be temporarily suspended to ensure that all participating teams get fair treatment.

The Indonesian team was required to withdraw from the BWF World Tour Super 1000 level tournament after 20 of the 24 members received an e-mail from the British health authority (NHS) informing that one of the passengers on the plane they were traveling from Istanbul to Birmingham tested positive for COVID-19.

They are required to undergo self-isolation at the hotel for 10 days from March 13 to 23.

The Red and White squad had previously undergone a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Birmingham, Saturday 13 March and all of them found negative results. However, in accordance with the UK Government's regulations regarding positive close contact tracing for COVID-19, the struggle of the Indonesian national team must stop halfway.

BWF is considered to have failed to hold the competition because it cannot anticipate unexpected events like what the Indonesian team had to experience.