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Then, when I was in junior and senior high
schools, I was a sepak takraw athlete. In 1979,
I became a national athlete. My team won the
championship at the Southeast Asian Games.
Coincidently, all the athletes in the sepak takraw team
were from South Sulawesi and we won a gold medal.
We lacked world champions, but all of a sudden, we
have sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri. What do you
make of that?
On Zohri, I happen to know the history. Bob Hasan,
former chairman of the track and field association
[PASI], told me. I was much involved in athletics. I
was the one evaluating him during an Asian Games
test event in February. I am happy with Zohri; he is a
source of inspiration for other athletes.
Do you think Zohri will be a star at the Asian
Games?
Thank God, the public appreciation of Zohri is high.
But that is worrying too. Excessive expectations [from
our athletes] during the Games, where all the best
athletes will be competing. We all hope Zohri will give
his best shot.
This is a classic question: Why don’t our athletes
become world champions?
Two factors. Human resources and logistics. If these
two are enough, or perhaps more than enough, this
problem will be solved. We are a nation of 260 million
people. From that number, we have potential in all
sporting disciplines. Some say it is because we don’t
have technology. But technology is also dependent
on adequate logistics and funding. We need more
funding. If we want to rise, we first need to solve the
funding problem.
Your name appeared in a survey of potential vice-
presidential candidates. Many say you are a Jusuf
Kalla stalwart?
I am a representation of Pak Jusuf Kalla. I admit
Pak Jusuf Kalla groomed me but not for politics. For
two things: peace and solving conflict in the Islamic
world. Nothing to do with politics at all.
If you are asked to become a candidate, would you
accept?
I will refuse. I am a general and I can’t be there. I
can’t be in practical politics.
But you can resign from your post.
Still, I will refuse. I will only be concentrating on
peace and solving conflict in the Islamic world as I
said earlier.
As an Islamic figure and deputy chairman of the
Mosque Council, what are your views on Islam in
Indonesia at present?
Islam in Indonesia is recognized by the world as
moderate. Islam as preached by Grand Sheikh Al
Azhar of Egypt. Islam that teaches tolerance. If we
Indonesians are pessimistic about that, we are in
danger.
But many are worried about the level of intolerance.
We should not exaggerate something that is actually
small. I am more optimistic about Islam in Indonesia
than about what is happening in the Middle East.
All of our territories are controlled by the state. We
live in peaceful co-existence with others. If there
are hardline views, we engage in dialogue. If there is
research that concludes that 40 mosques are radical, I
strongly deny that. That’s politics using religion.
I am happy
with Zohri; he
is a source of
inspiration for
other athletes.
I was much
involved in
athletics. I
was the one
evaluating him
during an Asian
Games test event
in February.
AkbAR NuGRoho GuMAy/ANTARA FoTo