Expert opposes soccer field conversion<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
As the Jakarta administration moves forward with plans to convert
\na historic soccer field in Menteng, Central Jakarta, some
\nobservers have questioned whether this will help create a
\n"healthy environment" in the city.<\/p>\n
The Jakarta administration plans to convert the soccer field
\ninto a "multipurpose park", which will include green spaces,
\nplaying fields, a jogging track and a futsal field. The plan is
\nstrongly opposed by various parties, including the City Council.<\/p>\n
Sociologist Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri said on Friday the
\nadministration should not sacrifice the soccer field to create
\nmore green space in the city.<\/p>\n
"A soccer field should remain a soccer field. If they want to
\ncreate more green space, they should develop the surrounding
\narea. Converting (the soccer field) is not the solution," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He also said the administration should preserve the area
\nbecause it was considered a historic site.<\/p>\n
The soccer field was laid out in 1910 and used by the
\nVoetbalbond Indische Omstreken (Indies Football Association).<\/p>\n
"I think the administration should evaluate the city's master
\nplan, which should support the creation of a prosperous and
\nhealthy community. If more sports facilities disappear from the
\ncity, developing a healthy community and becoming the center for
\nsporting achievement in the country will remain just a dream," he
\ntold The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
The head of the Public Scholars Association, Kemal Siregar,
\nsaid he would support the administration's decision if the new
\nmultipurpose park provided additional sports facilities for
\nJakartans.<\/p>\n
"I agree with the decision only if the new park offers more
\nsports activities than soccer. And only if people from all
\neconomic levels are given access to the facility, because the
\npoor also need exercise," he said.<\/p>\n
He cited a survey last year that found Indonesians engaged in
\nlittle physical activity because of a lack of sports centers and
\nthe absence of comfortable places to walk or jog.<\/p>\n
According to the administration's website, www.dki.go.id, the
\ncity has five large public sports facilities. These are located
\nin Bahtera and Sunter in North Jakarta, Kuningan and Ragunan in
\nSouth Jakarta, and Rawamangun in East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
"This is not enough considering the city has a population of
\nover 10 million. Plus, some people who live in the same area as
\nthese facilities still cannot reach them. For example, people who
\nlive in Condet should go to Rawamangun to enjoy the facility. But
\neven though they are both in East Jakarta it is still too far
\naway," Kemal said.<\/p>\n
He said there would be negative consequences if the city
\neliminated its few sports facilities.<\/p>\n
"The administration can destroy a soccer field and turn it
\ninto whatever it wants, but more sports facilities should be
\nbuilt to compensate for the loss. Also, public facilities such as
\ncomfortable sidewalks should be provided because walking can also
\nkeep people healthy," he said. (006)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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