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JAMBI, bhayaksa.net—- The Board of the Jambi City Chess Association (Pengkot PERCASI Kota Jambi) has officially sent a letter requesting clarification and a review regarding three-year suspensions issued by the Provincial Board (Pengprov PERCASI Jambi) against two chess players, which are alleged to have been made unilaterally and in violation of proper procedures.
This organizational action was taken following an internal meeting held by Pengkot PERCASI Kota Jambi on Thursday evening (September 17, 2026). The severe sanctions target National Master (MN) Izhar Bafadhal from Jambi City and MN Tjin Hau from Bungo Regency, who are alleged to have been involved in match-fixing during Round 9 of the Jambi Chess Candidate tournament while competing for third place.
The meeting was led directly by the Secretary of PERCASI Kota Jambi, Abidin, and attended by board members including Babe, Hendri Syam, Rudi Siahaan, Winarno, Yunariadi, Budi Setiawan, Feryandi, and Harvery, as well as the affected athlete, MN Izhar Bafadhal.
Through official letter number 012/PERCASI-KJ/IX/2026 dated September 17, 2026, addressed to the General Chairman of Pengprov PERCASI Jambi, Abidin emphasized seven critical prerequisites that are alleged to have been bypassed in establishing the disciplinary sanctions:
- Legality of the Decree (SK): The existence of an official written decree signed by authorized officials, rather than an announcement made via instant messaging.
- Legal Basis and Regulations: Clarity on the official rules or specific articles of the National Chess Board (PB PERCASI) Bylaws used as the foundation for the decision.
- Specific Violation Articles: Detailed breakdown of organizational articles and standards alleged to have been violated by both athletes.
- Verification Procedures: A clear process for verifying and validating the video evidence alleged to be the basis for the match-fixing claims.
- Right to Defense and Rebuttal: An official platform for the athletes to provide clarifications, present their defense, and submit mitigating evidence regarding the alleged violations.
- Legitimacy of the Investigative Team: Clear status, membership, and official authority of the Disciplinary Commission or independent team conducting the investigation.
- Appeals Mechanism: Defined procedures and official channels for submitting objections or requesting a review.
”Disciplinary sanctions in sports cannot be handed down recklessly or announced unilaterally in group chats. To protect organizational integrity and uphold proper procedure, these seven points must be disclosed transparently,” Abidin stated.
Board members of PERCASI Kota Jambi also expressed support for this stance, noting that the sanctions are alleged to be procedurally flawed:
- Babe noted that a three-year suspension without a formal investigation report (BAP) or forensic video examination alleged to be unfair could ruin an athlete’s career.
- Yunariadi emphasized the necessity of a fair trial and the right to self-defense before an athlete is alleged to be at fault without a formal hearing.
- Winarno questioned the status and authority of the investigative team that evaluated the video evidence.
- Budi Setiawan requested a temporary stay of the sanctions, arguing that sudden decisions alleged to lack proper protocol harm athlete development and morale.
- Rudi Siahaan highlighted the lack of legal certainty, noting the decision alleged to exist has no formal written decree (SK).
- Hendri Syam warned that bypassing internal bylaws alleged to occur risks destroying the organization’s credibility.
Separately, Chairman of PERCASI Kota Jambi, Police Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Yuslizar, confirmed via telephone that his organization fully supports disciplinary enforcement aligned with the bylaws. However, if the decision is alleged to deviate from proper procedures and taken unilaterally, PERCASI Kota Jambi reserves the right to demand official clarification.
Due to these procedural concerns alleged to violate organizational standards, PERCASI Kota Jambi has requested that Pengprov PERCASI Jambi temporarily suspend the three-year bans until the review process is complete, giving a one-week deadline for a written response.
Copies of the official letter were also sent to the General Chairman of PB PERCASI, the Chairman of KONI Jambi Province, the Chairman of KONI Jambi City, and the Secretary of Pengprov PERCASI Jambi.
Reporter: Harvery
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
