Football a welcome respite to daily grind

JAKARTA (JP): Political and economic reform has been discussed daily topic for the past five months, but World Cup soccer will undoubtedly become the number one topic of conversation among Indonesians for the next 30 days.

Eyes will be glued to television sets across the archipelago, hearts will beat quickly and voices scream in anguish and joy as the trials and tribulations of the tournament unfold.

A number of people, including military personnel and former political prisoners, shared their opinions on the biggest sporting event on earth with The Jakarta Post.

Muchtar Pakpahan, chairman of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) said soccer was in his blood but doubted if he would be able to enjoy the sporting extravaganza.

"I'd love to watch the World Cup. My favorite team is Brazil, or perhaps Germany. But I don't think I'll have time to watch the tournament on TV," he said.

He has had a very hectic schedule since his release from prison on May 25, with up to seven appointments every day.

"Of course, we used to watch everything in prison. I used to play soccer in high school (in Medan) but I was always a substitute, never a first-choice player," he said.

Adang Ruchiyatna, a major general and chairman of the All Indonesian Soccer Federation's disciplinary commission said: "I don't have enough money to go to France so I will watch the World Cup matches on television if I have time.

"Reform and the World Cup are two different things. As far as I know reform has nothing to do with the World Cup. Reform is the most important thing for this country. Nothing can change that.

"Reform has to go on in spite of the World Cup if necessary, and if reform had required that World Cup television broadcasts be banned, then our leaders would have taken immediate action to support that.

"I don't think I will stake any money on the outcome. I never do that and I don't think I will be able to follow all the matches closely because I get sudden calls to duty all the time nowadays. Let's wait and see.

"It's still hard to say who my favorite team is. I usually watch two or three stages then decide which team I like best. I'm not a fanatical supporter so I will just support the team that looks most likely to win," he said, sitting on the fence.

David, a university student: "Of course I will watch the World Cup. I wouldn't dream of missing it, not even for exams. I will watch every match right from the very beginning.

"I do not see any connection between reform and the World Cup. After what we've been through, reform should go on no matter what.

"My favorite team is Germany, they have a strong defense but when they start to attack, it's very calculated. But I also like Brazil and Argentina.

"I'm willing to put money on the world cup, Rp 50,000 at most. But, none of my friends are willing to match that."

Dwiki Dharmawan, singer, leader of the Indonesian Fantasy Orchestra, president director of Kita Music, musical instrument distribution company said: "You bet I'm going to watch the World Cup. I'm counting on Italy, Nigeria and Brazil. I expect the unexpected from Nigeria. Their performance in the Olympics was magnificent.

"But then again, Italy and Brazil really are the greatest.

"Reform? I think the World Cup will boost the spirits of reform activists. It will be a refreshing change for them, because we all know that reform must go on.

"No, I'm not going to bet big money. Maybe a shaved head or dinner... you know, small stuff. Just for fun."

Former Minister of Forestry and Plantations Sumahadi: "I'm not a big football fan. I'm not very fond of watching 22 men struggle for a ball. If I stay up all night it will be because I have to work all night or to watch wayang (Javanese puppets).

"Which team I will be supporting? If you join one of the teams I will support your team."

Satria Wira, Sari Pan Pacific Marketing Communications Manager: "I don't think it's exciting watching 22 grown men battling for a ball. If I was rich man I would buy them each a ball so they wouldn't need to fight anymore.

"But I think it gives us all a good chance to relax for a while and forget the crisis."

Abdul Wahab Mokodongan, the Armed Forces spokesman said: "I expect the atmosphere in the country will calm down during the World Cup after months of hectic politicking and the demonstrations demanding sweeping reform. Everybody will enjoy it, and you journalists (whose beats are on political affairs) can take a long rest, can't you?

Of course I hope to watch all the matches, although it may cost me my sleep. I'm not sure which team will emerge victorious. (team)