OUR MESSAGE TO BWF: DON'T PLAY A ROLE AS A VICTIM AND PLEASE FIX YOUR SYSTEM

The controversy of the NHS and BWF decision to withdraw the Indonesian Badminton Team from participating in All England 2021 makes Indonesian netizen angry and disappointed. Some of them said their critiques directly to BWF social media accounts, such as Instagram and Twitter. However, most of them also harshly stated their complaint to BWF even they attack a Japanese player who reaches the All England Final 2021. It has made a lot of response from media observer, Indonesian player, and even BWF itself.

 

We know that we are so disappointed and angry with the discrimination action from BWF to our athletes. However, talking a harsh comment on social media will also lead to negativism from other countries and other organizations in our society. From my point of view, I could understand why Indonesian netizen reacted like this. Indonesian people have already received an explanation about why the Indonesian team should be withdrawn from the competition. However, BWF did not give any clarification about the following treatment. First, BWF treated our athletes badly by asking them to walk after the match and not use transportation and lift access to the hotel. Second, BWF denied their own regulation by using a line judge from England in the match of Ahsan/Hendra. Based on the international regulation, an umpire and line judge should come from other countries than the player originated. At that time, Ahsan/Hendra opponents come from England. It shows real discrimination.

 

Many discriminated and odd actions were done by BWF and NHS in All England 2021 Competition. Actually, the point of Indonesian netizen is an acknowledgement and apology. They would like to get an acknowledgement and apology letter and video directly from the BWF. However, BWF did not clarify and apologize for the bad treatment against the Indonesian team until the Indonesian government and the Indonesian Badminton Association demanded their apology. This led to a wave of anger from Indonesian netizen, and after that, BWF plays a role as a victim.

 

On the other hand, we couldn’t justify commenting harshly on other countries’ players (ex. Japanese players). The latter doesn’t have any relation with the matter of discrimination. We should blame only the committee that is not ready for any kind of urge situation like this. I don’t think that commenting badly on other players will solve and prevent this problem again. We, as Indonesian badminton lover, should show our best attitude and respect. Prove to the world using our wise action and words.

 

However, one message again to BWF. “Even though our player and government asked us to be in a good manner while facing this problem but, as a world badminton federation, you have failed organized this event. Don’t play as a victim because you are the wrongdoers here. Tokyo Olympic is just 4 months to go. If you don’t fix the system, you might find that badminton may not be included in the next Olympic. The Indonesian team may be affected if it’s really happened. However, you will be blamed once again. Thus, do your best to INSTROPECT and FIX your system. Besides, we are waiting for your sincere apology to our badminton player and all Indonesian badminton lovers.”