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)