Netizens Highlighted The Statement Of The Minister Of Youth And Sports About The Red And White Flag Not Flying: Lots Of Irrational Excuses

Bendera Indonesia tidak diizinkan berkibar di upacara kemenangan Piala Thomas (Twitter @INAbadminton)

JAKARTA - Indonesia successfully won the 2020 Thomas Cup after beating China 3-0 on Sunday night. However, the Red and White flag cannot be flown in the Garuda squad's victory ceremony. Why?

Based on WADA's decision on October 7, Indonesia was declared non-compliance with the enforcement of anti-doping standards. This means that Indonesia is currently serving a sentence.

Indonesia cannot host a regional, continental or world championship during the suspension period. Indonesia is also not eligible to sit as a board member on the committee.

Athletes from Indonesia are still allowed to compete in regional, continental and world championships, as was the case in this Thomas Cup. However, the national flag may not be flown other than at the Olympics.

Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said on October 8 said that the non-compliance WADA called for was more about sending samples. Zainudin revealed that COVID-19 made the sample submission not go according to the Test Doping Plan (TDP) plan.

The cessation of competitions and tournaments due to the pandemic caused the planned number of samples to not be fulfilled.

According to Zainudin, WADA's letter was received in September and has 21 days to respond to this letter. The Minister of Youth and Sports claimed to have given a reply letter and is now waiting for WADA's response.

According to Zainudin, the delay in the response letter occurred because LADI was changing its management. However, the Minister of Youth and Sports emphasized that Indonesia is determined to comply with WADA regulations.

"The government is committed to complying with all the rules that have been agreed upon, but we also explain about the obstacles we face in our own country," Zainudin said, quoted by Antara.

In fact, until Indonesia is declared the champion of the 2020 Thomas Cup, the Red and White flag cannot be raised and replaced by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) flag. In an interview with national private television, Zainuddin said that currently, the full sanctions for Indonesia are still in the clarification period.

"So, now it's still a period of clarification, that's why it was seen that the flag was not allowed (to fly), but the anthem Indonesia Raya was allowed. If we have received full sanctions, both cannot," said the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora).

In fact, the national anthem is not included in WADA's penalty points for Indonesia. No doubt, the Menpora's comments received the spotlight of many parties. Netizens even called those reasons unacceptable.

"It's really a shame to have a ministry like this.. There are a lot of mistakes, lots of reasons that don't make sense. If you're in a state that doesn't make sense, you're embarrassed to continue to resign. But what can we say, our state officials face the wall. Come on, Mr. @jokowi, this is not a trivial matter," said one Twitter user with the account @rona_ri ***

"The elected Menpora doesn't have a basis in sports. How are you going to deal with doping (?)," said the account @mohammedwahy ***

"YOU'RE SO INCOMPETENT @KEMENPORA_RI Forgot to reply to the letter, it seems to be a problem in many of our agencies. It's surprising," wrote @hangga***

"The culture of making irrational excuses is a hallmark of Indonesian politics, you must emulate Japanese culture, you make a mistake, YOU RESIGN!!!," tweeted @Jimhan21878***