PB PTMSI Urges to Disband IPL: The government is considered failed to resolve table tennis conflict

VIRALTERKINI.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Table Tennis Association (PB PTMSI) urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to immediately dissolve the newly formed Indonesian Pingpong League (IPL) organization.

Chairperson of PTMSI PB, Peter Layardi Lay, stated that the presence of IPL actually made the situation in the midst of efforts to resolve the dualism conflict that had long warded national table tennis sports.

In an official statement made to the media on July 31, 2025 in Jakarta, Peter stressed that the Kemenpora steps that support the formation of IPL are considered a large blunder that has the potential to bring up new “tigalism”.

This is considered to threaten the stability of athlete development, worsen organizational conflicts, and endanger national achievements.

“We see this is not a solution, but instead creates a new problem. The country that is supposed to solve this dualism, actually exacerbates the situation by facilitating new organizations such as IPL,” Peter said.

PB PTMSI assesses that the existence of IPL is not only legally invalid, but also does not have the legitimacy of coaching.

Peter highlighted that IPL was even proposed to become a member of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), without any communication or coordination with PB PTMSI as the main organization parent.

“One of the things that made us very worried was when the IPL was suddenly proposed to ITTF. This caused great unrest among provincial and district/city administrators,” he said.

Peter regretted that such a strategic decision was taken without the involvement of PTMSI PB and table tennis stakeholders throughout Indonesia.

In fact, according to him, the PTMSI PB assisted athletes could not participate in the national selection event initiated by the IPL, so that the potential to hamper their careers.

Furthermore, Peter also highlighted the implementation of the Menpora Cup which was claimed to be an open tournament, but was considered not transparent.

He questioned the summons of athletes for national training without explanation related to the purpose and direction of the program.

“If the national training, there should be a target. Is this really for the 2025 SEA Games or just symbolic? Do not let the athletes only be used as a political tool for the organization,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of the clarity of the coaching program, especially when it comes to Indonesian representation in the international event.

This obscurity, according to Peter, can have a serious impact on the motivation of athletes and public trust in national sports organizations.

On the occasion, Peter Layardi Lay again emphasized that PB PTMSI was an official organization that had been legally recognized, including through the Supreme Court’s decision.

PB PTMSI also has a complete organizational structure in 38 provinces and nearly 400 districts/cities throughout Indonesia.

“We are a legitimate organization, have been tested in court. We will bring proof of support from 38 provinces. Our management is solid and legal,” said Peter.

He also considered that the formation of IPL was actually an action that could damage the national sports order.

“This is not a solution, but a blunder. This effort can destroy the coaching system that has been running,” he added in a disappointed tone.

Peter stated that his party would immediately submit the objections and unrest of the organization to KOI as the National Sports Authority. He questioned the extent to which Koi was able to mediate and complete this polemic.

“We will convey directly to Koi. We want to know, whether NOC can be firm in situations like this? Do not let their existence actually add to the complexity,” he said.

Despite highlighting various irregularities, Peter ensured that PTMSI PB would maintain a professional attitude and uphold polite communication.

But he stressed that commitment to athlete development will never be compromised.

“As long as I take office and my decree is still valid, I will continue to carry out coaching. This is a mandate from friends of the Pengprov,” he said.

The chaos in the body of Indonesian table tennis adds to the length of the list of sports organizational conflicts in the country.

PB PTMSI emphasized that their struggle was not merely maintaining the existence of the organization, but to maintain national sports and ensure the sustainability of athlete development.

Peter Layardi Lay reminded that if this conflict was not immediately resolved thoroughly and fairly, the most disadvantaged were young athletes who were being fostered to achieve achievements.

He urged the government and all stakeholders to immediately take concrete steps, before this conflict had a greater impact on national sports.