Govt promises to help in volleyball dispute

Govt promises to help in volleyball dispute

BEKASI, West Java (JP): The government has promised to help
the Indonesian Volleyball Association evade an international ban,
State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said
yesterday.

Hayono said that he would not disclose the saving measures the
government might take until he receives reports from the
volleyball body.

"Let's see what we can do. I'm looking forward to hearing from
the association," Hayono said.

The minister was commenting on a one-year international match
ban plus a four-year restriction from hosting any international
competitions threatened by the world volleyball body (FIVB)
against Indonesia for breaking its commitment to host the 1997
Junior World Championships.

The FIVB is waiting until next Wednesday for Indonesia's
reconsideration, otherwise the double bans will be put into
effect.

"The government insists that the junior championships be held
here next year. It's regrettable if we have to serve those bans
that long," Hayono said.

The sanctions would also force Indonesia to drop volleyball
from the 19th SEA Games here next year.

The national volleyball body blamed the lack of funds and the
unavailability of an eligible venue for causing it to withdraw
from hosting the junior championships. It said that the event
would cost US$600,000, with one third being met by the FIVB.

Hayono said he believed that the national volleyball
association's top brass would take positive measures to settle
the financial problem. "I will ask everybody to join forces to
lend a helping hand," he said.

As for the venue, Hayono insisted that the Senayan Indoor
Stadium is the best choice. "I think both the National Sports
Council and the Senayan Management Board could negotiate the use
of the indoor stadium for the event," he said.

The junior championships will run in September, just one month
before the SEA Games.

All venues to be used during the SEA Games next October are
scheduled to be closed for one month prior to the opening
ceremony. (amd)