Damage caused by riots only slight, official says<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The riots that marred the Indonesian soccer
\nleague championship final between Persib Bandung and Petrokimia
\nPutra on Sunday are expected to cost the organizers a
\nconsiderable sum, but an official says the damage caused was
\ntolerable.<\/p>\n
The director of Senayan's management board, Saptodarsono, said
\nyesterday that the board will have to repair Senayan stadium
\nafter thousands of fanatic supporters broke down the safety fence
\nsurrounding the pitch.<\/p>\n
The 1,200-meter fence was demolished when thousands of Persib
\nsupporters tried to rush onto the pitch for a victory
\ncelebration.<\/p>\n
Saptodarsono refused to disclose the total financial losses,
\nsaying that both the board and the organizers are still in the
\nprocess of calculation.<\/p>\n
\"The rampage did not affect the construction of the stadium,
\nexcept for slight damages to several buildings and parks,\"
\nSaptodarsono said.<\/p>\n
More than 100,000 people turned out to watch the frenetic
\nfinal match, for which the organizers deployed 2,000 security
\nofficers to maintain order.<\/p>\n
Supporters of both soccer teams were involved in physical
\nflare-ups outside the stadium, using stones and sticks to beat
\neach other. A number of windows in several buildings owned by the
\nmanagement board were smashed during the brawls.<\/p>\n
Security officials claimed that some 20 people, including two
\nofficers, were injured during the riot. A 60-year-old Persib'
\nfan, Sutaryono, died of a heart attack prior to the match.<\/p>\n
The final match, won by Persib 1-0, was also marred by a fire
\nwhich razed the balcony above gate two. Six fire engines were
\ndeployed to extinguish the fire.<\/p>\n
\"It was an accident. A negligent spectator might have dropped
\na cigarette butt onto a heap of dry waste from the balcony,\"
\nSaptodarsono said.<\/p>\n
Reconstruction will start as soon as possible, because, he
\nsaid, \"we have to complete the project by Aug. 20.\" The stadium
\nhas been named the closing ceremony venue for the 1995 national
\nyouth march. (amd)<\/p>",
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