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