ACEH TAMIANG — The race for the leadership of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) in Aceh Tamiang is entering a new phase. Hendriko Lubis, Chairman of the Aceh Tamiang branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (SWI) and Chairman of PERKEMI Aceh Tamiang, has expressed his intention to enter the competition for the KONI Aceh Tamiang chairmanship.
Hendriko made the statement in Karang Baru on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Hendriko was previously elected by acclamation as Chairman of PERKEMI Aceh Tamiang for the 2026–2030 term. Under his leadership, he has emphasized the importance of increasing training activities, developing athletes, strengthening discipline, and preparing athletes for sporting competitions.
Now, the attention of Aceh Tamiang’s sporting community is turning toward Hendriko’s potential move toward the KONI leadership.
This is not simply about competing for a position, but also about competing with ideas for the future direction of sports in Aceh Tamiang.
Hendriko is expected to bring his organizational experience and perspective on sports development to a broader level. He has also previously promoted a tiered athlete-development system, beginning at the village and school levels and continuing through subdistrict and district levels, so that athlete development does not only intensify when competitions are approaching.
Support from Sports Federations Becomes a Key Factor
Several chairpersons of sports federations are reportedly expressing support for Hendriko’s intention to participate in the KONI Aceh Tamiang leadership competition.
However, such support remains subject to the formal organizational mechanism. In the election of a KONI chairman, the support and voting rights of sports federations must follow the organization’s Articles of Association and bylaws, as well as the rules governing the District Sports Conference (Musorkab).
Experiences from other regions show that support from sports federations can become an important element in the dynamics of leadership contests. During the 2026–2030 KONI Aceh Barat leadership process, for example, support from several sports federations was publicly announced alongside the nomination process.
In Aceh Tamiang itself, similar dynamics have also emerged in previous KONI leadership elections. ANTARA reported in 2022 that 27 sports federations had expressed support for one of the candidates.
Hendriko: Sports Must Be Built Through Long-Term Development
Hendriko’s previous ideas concerning sports in Aceh Tamiang have focused heavily on athlete development. He has described sports as an investment in the future and encouraged talent identification and athlete development to be carried out systematically and continuously.
Those ideas could become part of the platform he brings forward if the KONI Aceh Tamiang Musorkab formally enters the nomination stage.
Therefore, the future KONI leadership contest will not only concern who receives organizational support. It will also involve visions, programs, organizational governance, athlete development, coaches’ welfare, sports facilities, and strategies for competing at provincial and national levels.
Awaiting the Formal Organizational Process
Although support from several sports federations is reportedly beginning to emerge for Hendriko Lubis, the final decision will remain subject to the KONI Musorkab mechanism and applicable organizational regulations.
The current dynamics can therefore be viewed as part of the organizational democratic process within Aceh Tamiang’s sporting community.
One thing is increasingly clear: Hendriko Lubis’s name has entered the conversation about the future direction of sports leadership in Aceh Tamiang.
If he ultimately enters the KONI chairmanship race, the sporting community will be watching closely for one crucial question: What concrete vision will he offer to move Aceh Tamiang’s athletes beyond simply participating in competitions toward stronger competitiveness and achievement?
(SIPS)
