Indonesian Basketball In the U.S.
by Coach John Susanto
Before going into a basketball discussion, let's briefly review and ponder our Indonesian history. The first President of our Republic, the late, former President Soekarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta, the Angkatan '45 and all "sukus", fought hard, and had to make lots of sacrifices to gain Independence from the Dutch Colonialism. Many heroes died, or were put in prison. But, the sacrifices paid off. The long Dutch occupation that lasted for 343 years (1602-1945) finally ended, the Dutch were ousted from what was then called the Netherlands Indies, and a new nation called the Republic of Indonesia was born. For a few years after the Independence, people would greet each other with a fist pump up and say: "Merdeka!!" The person addressed would respond likewise. Freedom is priceless, and the practice of the "Pancasila" keeps us united as one nation. We should be proud, that despite what is happening recently, what we read in the newspaper or the internet, and what we watch on TV about Indonesia, we still name our Annual Sports Event: PORMISAB - Pekan Olah Raga Mahasiswa INDONESIA Seluruh Amerika Barat. May we serve as an example to the people back home; that we are Indonesians and that we can and will continue to work together to make things work as Indonesians!

PORMICA
Earlier Years - Men's Team: The San Francisco I, the L.A. I, and the Loma Linda I team are probably the only teams left that still have players left from the early years of PORMICA I, through V. The first PORMICA was held in Fresno (S.F. won the Championship), and it was agreed that the host would alternate each year between Northern and Southern California. The following four PORMICA's was won by the L.A. I team. A few names that comes to mind from the S.F.I team: Mulyadi (now residing in L.A.), Hasan, Ate, John (now coaching), Das Boen, Harry, from the L.A. I team: Sam (1st player in the PORMICA who could dunk the b.ball), Dunley, Joko (the giant), Mike, Wil, Ray, Mul, Yono, Anthony, Nugi (the last four players are still playing and we may see them in Fresno), from the Loma Linda team: Frank, Ted, John, Siregar (it is hard to miss his 6'3'' frame), David, Delvin etc. From the Fresno Team: Lalo, A Beng, etc. When it comes to the Championship Games up to the year 1995, most of the time it was between the three teams first mentioned.

PORMICA/PORMISAB
Men's Team: During the years following, the Sweepers (Edward cs), LA II (Stanley cs), LA III, Fresno (Alec, Doddy cs), Redlands, Riverside, and Santa Monica (Mike R. cs) became much stronger and more competitive teams. It was fun to watch these teams grow; they bring Indonesian Basketball level to new heights. Noticeably the teams now have taller players that can touch the rim easily, and have faster guards in comparison to prior years.

CONCLUSION
There will be good competitive basketball starting from the beginning of the tournament. Hope good referees will bring out the best basketball out of every team. Let the players play, let the coaches coach, let the referees call the calls, and let the Panitya preside. Keep sports and sportsmanship together, and we all will have a GREAT TIME!!! The San Francisco's team motto is:" Play hard against every team we play. If we have played your best, winning or losing doesn't matter."

Written by: John Susanto - Coach S.F. I Team Note: John Susanto has long retired from playing competitive basketball. He and Willy now coach the S.F. I team. Their respective sons Ryan and Doni (last years PORMISAB MVP) play for the S.F. I Team.
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