Development of National Athletes Starts With Regional Gov't: Sports Minister
Jakarta. Grooming potential athletes to compete on both the national and international stage must begin with regional governments, Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi said during his visit to Ambon's Learning and Training Center for Students, also known as PPLP and PPLM, in Maluku province on Tuesday (28/02).
The PPLP is a nationwide training center for talented athletes aged 18 years old or younger, while those between the ages of 18 and 22 train at the regional PPLM, which has the same function. Almost every region and province in Indonesia has both a PPLP and PPLM.
"The roles of regional administrations are important in grooming elite athletes. They should be autonomous from the central government in Jakarta, because there are plenty of opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with private companies," Imam was quoted as saying on the official website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
"The government is currently intensifying programs to create future athletes in all of the regions in Indonesia, not only for football, but other sports as well. Student athletes will play a crucial part in regenerating the performance of our elite athletes," Imam added.
Both the PPLP and PPLM were established 40 years ago and are still funded by the central government.
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