'Menteng stadium is an historical site'<\/p>\n
The move to convert Menteng Soccer Stadium into a city park has
\nsparked protests from noted public figures and scholars, who
\nsuspect foul play in the plan as the Sutiyoso administration will
\nbe inviting investors to open cafes and other entertainment
\nvenues there. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments
\non the proposal.<\/p>\n
Agus Sudharto, 22, is an amateur football player at Asy-
\nSyafiiyah University, Pondok Gede, East Jakarta. He lives with
\nhis family in Bekasi:<\/p>\n
I totally disagree. There are not many soccer fields in
\nGreater Jakarta, why should we close one? Moreover, the Menteng
\nstadium has been the home of the Jakarta soccer club Persija for
\na long time. We should keep the tradition alive.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Persija is one of the best clubs Indonesia has. It
\nperforms well in Asia Champions League and in the national
\nleague. These achievements are closely related to the role of the
\nMenteng stadium.<\/p>\n
City parks are only meant for people to have fun in. I do
\nagree that green spaces should be expanded, but why couldn't the
\nadministration build in empty spaces that are spread across the
\ncity?<\/p>\n
Yes, it might be used for sport activities, such as jogging,
\nbut I don't think it will attract many people, not as many as a
\nsoccer game could do.<\/p>\n
If they insist on converting the place into a city park, the
\nplace should cater to many activities other than jogging. There
\nshould be activities that will affect many people, such as
\nbazaars and charity events. There should also be a place for
\nvendors.<\/p>\n
Vicky Sastro, 25, is a freelance writer for a Javanese
\nmagazine. He lives in a rented house in Depok:<\/p>\n
Of course I am against it, I am one of the few Jakartans who
\nusually play soccer there. I think the stadium should be
\nrenovated instead of converted.<\/p>\n
The Jakarta administration could build a park or plant trees
\naround it. They don't have to demolish the stadium.<\/p>\n
Historians say that we must preserve historical sites, that
\nshould mean that we also have to preserve historical stadiums.<\/p>\n
The administration could turn it into a luxury stadium in the
\ncenter of the city and at the same time make it a historical
\nlandmark. We could use it for training and learning about our
\npast.<\/p>\n
We have very few stadiums and historical buildings in the
\ncity. We should start to appreciate these old buildings, while at
\nthe same time make a profit out of them. There are many roads to
\nRome, Bang Yos!<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/menteng-stadium-is-an-historical-site-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }