Hockey field problems delay Games turf installation
JAKARTA (JP): The SEA Games hockey field turf installation has been delayed because of a communication problem between the Indonesian Hockey Association and the Games Organizing Committee.
Organizing committee planning and budget deputy Okky Chandrawinata said at the field yesterday that Gary Baumer from Astro Turf, the company appointed to install the turf, could not do his job because his equipment could not be released from Soekarno-Hatta airport.
"As soon as I found out about the problem, I asked one of my men to pay a 'guarantee fee' because the equipment, which weighs about 500kgs, is owned by Baumer and not part of our material order. I expect it to arrive here tonight," Okky said.
The organizers had planned to install the turf last week.
The installation is now expected to start today and finish on Sept. 25, weather permitting.
The equipment arrived Friday but could not be released because the paperwork was sent to the hockey association instead of the organizers.
The association, despite being responsible for supervising the installation, declined to do the paperwork.
"If I had found out there was a problem on Friday, Baumer could have started his job sooner," Okky said.
The turf arrived from the U.S. last week in four containers. It is still lying on the field, waiting to be installed.
The 62 x 100 square meter field was asphalted early last month but still needs lights, seating, changing rooms and medical and doping test rooms.
Organizing committee venue and facilities deputy Saptodarsono said that if there was not enough time to install the lights and build temporary seating, the organizers would not schedule night matches for the Games, which start on Oct. 11 and end on Oct. 19.
Squash
The squash courts at Senayan Main stadium are nearly ready for action.
Four of five courts have been completed in the last week.
During his visit to the courts last week, national training director Djoko Pramono urged PT Pembangunan Perumahan -- doing the civil works --, and Spectra Prima Putra -- installing the courts --, to try to finish by Sept. 15.
The main court, which will have spectator seating, is expected to be ready by the end of this month.
Saptodarsono said the other venues at the Senayan sports complex were expected to be ready by Sept. 15.
The organizers were given a Rp 20 billion (US$7,547,170) subsidy to renovate the sports venues by the State Secretariat, as the patron board of Gelora Senayan.
Gymnastics
Yesterday, gymnastics training director Andi Darussalam Tabusala announced the 15 member national gymnastics squad.
Jonathan Mangiring Sianturi, Lulu Manurung, Zahari, Harun Fauzi Rangkuti, Sepri Haryadi and Abdul Razak will compete in the men's artistic events.
Afrina Siahaan, Sherly Novitasarie, Helda Sulistina, Nurfiana Achmadi, Ellyningsih and Sukma Anggraini will compete in the women's artistic events.
Yulianti, Wini Sari Triyansyahti and Oh Ze Ching will compete in the rhythmic events.
Andi said the Indonesian Gymnastics Association expected to win more golds this time than they did at the last Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Indonesia only won two golds, one silver and four bronzes last time while Thailand scooped 20 golds, 10 silvers and five bronzes. (yan)