E. Kalimantan to build futsal stadium

JAKARTA (JP): An international futsal stadium worth Rp 7 billion (US$610,000) was set to be built in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, a source said.

The source, quoted by the futsal media team from the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) - McDonald's Indonesia futsal team, said that the air-conditioned indoor stadium would be designed by a Dutch architect. The project is part of the province's enthusiasm to develop futsal, which is a relatively new sport in Indonesia.

Former national soccer star Ronny Pattinasarani, who is responsible for the futsal project, hoped that futsal could help prop up the achievement of local Balikpapan soccer club Persiba to enter the main league.

Ronny coached Persiba in the 80s and led the club to the finals of the PSSI-run federation soccer tournament twice, in 1984 and 1986. (ivy)