Fate of local rally hangs in the balance

JAKARTA (JP): The 11th leg of the World Rally Championship series scheduled for Sept. 18 to Sept. 20 in Medan, North Sumatra, may be canceled due to political and economic uncertainty.

Officials of the Indonesian Rally Foundation in Medan yesterday were unavailable to confirm or deny that the event -- which has been held annually since 1987 -- may be dropped.

But one of the officials, who wished to remain anonymous, told Antara that the security of participating drivers was one of the major reasons for the possible cancellation.

"Technically, we are ready to host the race, but security guarantee is beyond our reach," he said.

Massive ethnic-tainted riots jolted Medan and several neighboring towns in the wake of student demonstrations demanding sweeping reform early this month.

The official said the rally's cancellation would be a major setback for Indonesia because the country fought for many years to host the world event.

The world autosports body FIA granted the Indonesia Rally its world championship status last year. It also serves as the fifth leg of the Asia Pacific Championship series.

There were no details on the financial losses Indonesia might suffer if the event is canceled.

Rallying, a prohibitively expensive sport for most Indonesians, received a major boost here when Hutomo Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, led the Indonesian Motor Association from 1986 to 1996.

In April, the Indonesian Motor Association canceled the Motorcycling Grand Prix championship but it has pledged to go on with its plan to host the World Superbike Championship in July. (lnt)