Govt backing down on sports' fund program

Govt backing down on sports' fund program

JAKARTA (JP): The government is backing down on its plan to
launch a new prize-filled savings program to finance sports
activities, saying that it is willing to scrap the program
entirely if it did not have the full support of the public.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security
Soesilo Soedarman, said the plan to launch the program, known as
Tapornas, still requires further in-depth study.

"Tapornas is not final yet," he told reporters after presiding
over a monthly meeting with ministers under his charge.

The Tapornas controversy was sparked when State Minister of
Sports and Youth Affairs Hayono Isman disclosed the plan to
launch the program "beginning next year" after he met with
President Soeharto. Hayono also stressed that the head of state
has approved of the plan.

"It is probably because of his youthful spirit, that he said
Tapornas will start next year," Soesilo said of Hayono.

All but one of the four factions in the House of
Representatives immediately rejected the plan, saying that it
smacked of the lottery that was abolished in December 1993
because of its gambling nature. The odd faction out is the Armed
Forces, who said that the idea should be discussed first.

Moslem religious leaders have also stated their objections.

The saving program offers interest rates of between three and
five percent, far below interests offered by banks averaging 12
percent, but it is compensated by the prospect of periodic huge
cash prizes, totaling Rp 18 billion ($8.2 million), to be decided
by a draw.

"If the majority of the people feel that Tapornas will lead to
gambling, the government should look to other means for sports
fund-raising," Soesilo said.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas said on
Tuesday that the savings plan would be discussed for the first
time among ministers under his charge in their next monthly
meeting on May 30.

Azwar said the plan would be subject to extensive debates,
including those with members of the House of Representatives,
before any decision is made on whether to launch it. (imn)