A foreigner who was among the winners at the international category at the Indonesia International Marathon (IIM) has yet to receive his reward after weeks of protesting, with the event’s organizers now saying that recipients must hold a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).
In an Instagram post on their official account yesterday, race organizer PT Tata Media Prima (PT TMP) said that they have settled the outstanding prize money to the winners who have KITAS, which they said was in accordance with the terms and conditions of the race.
However, in a post on June 20, they actually announced that “all full marathon runners are eligible for prize money.”
Australian national Mike ‘Akerz’ Akerman, who was the first runner-up in the international men’s category for the full marathon at IIM in Bali on June 26, was promised IDR100,000,000 (US$6,700) after taking the podium.
Through his lawyer, Frank Hutapea, Akerman was quoted as saying that he was aware of KITAS requirements when he registered. However, he said the organizers had changed the terms, which is why he was given the check after taking the podium.
Akerman alleged that the change happened after the registrations were closed.
Frank, who represented Akerman along with Jack Ahearn (who placed first at the international men’s category) and Henrietta Brouwer (third winner of the international women’s category), said that Akerman has not received his prize money.
“It has now become the duty of KONI [Indonesian Spots Council), IIM, PT TMP, jointly and severally, to not only pay the foreign winner, but also to save the face of Indonesia’s tourism on the world stage,” Frank told Coconuts Bali.
“Those who are involved in delaying payments should by now realize that they have carried with them to ground zero those people who have done great events in Indonesia.”
As previously reported, the issue went viral after Ahearn said in his Instagram post that he was ghosted by the organizers for two months after taking the podium. Alleging that his number was blocked by the organizers, Ahearn finally received his payment last week along with Brouwer, but only after the organizers came under public scrutiny.
When asked about PT TMP’s announcement on the KITAS requirement, Frank said that it was a “ridiculous” excuse.
“By making up ridiculous excuses they are not releasing them of existing liabilities but instead continuously degrading Indonesia on the world stage. Since when is KITAS used as an excuse to pay an award? Last time I checked, this is not a job fair,” he said.
Contacted separately, KONI secretary general Ade Lukman told Coconuts Bali that the race management told the council that foreigners who hold KITAS would be eligible for prize money. However, Ade said, KONI was aware of the Instagram post announcing the changes, saying that “it’s not appropriate.”
“Naturally, we will find the best solution and we will update you soon,” he said.
The scandal may taint the government’s efforts to boost sports tourism in Bali, something that Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno repeatedly pushed for in the past.
