Closed soccer match

Closed soccer match

The soccer match between Indonesian Cabinet ministers and
members of the foreign diplomatic corps on March 9 will go down
in the history of the foreign diplomatic corps in Indonesia as a
unique event.

Ever since Indonesia entered the UN in September 1950 and
gained international recognition, an event such as this has never
taken place. Furthermore, a similar event could never take place
in any other country, less so in the Western world.

A distinction of appraisal in terms of value system is self-
evident. For what has been appreciated in Indonesia for its worth
in terms of political motive and public relations, any similar
event, if held in any other country, would perhaps be frowned
upon as a cheap publicity stunt.

But in this country, the unique event can be perceived
favorably; particularly when it was motivated by charity to
collect funds for the benefit of flood victims.

The Indonesian people will appreciate the initiative and
consideration of the foreign diplomatic corps, led by the Belgian
Ambassador, as reported, to arrange the occasion, for the worth
of its noble cause.

However, what will go on record, based on the news of the mass
media, was the report like that which appeared in Kompas of March
10.

Judging from the security measures taken for the occasion in
Senayan soccer ground that day, the soccer game was not one that
was open to the public, according to what was reported in Kompas.
The event was an exclusive and closed affair.

Given the charity motives, it is a pity that the public was
not accorded the chance to witness the rare game and participate
in its enjoyment. The security reasons are understood, making the
occasion inaccessible to the general public.

From the perspective of public relations and historical
appraisal, the inclusion of the people's sentiments of friendship
and amity, rather than their exclusion, will, in the long run, be
more beneficial.

S. SUHAEDI

Jakarta