ICC, WACA to support cricket development in Indonesia

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia has secured strong support from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Western Australian Cricket Council (WACA) to develop cricket here after Indonesian cricketers showed considerable achievement within the East Asia region.

Indonesia finished second at the inaugural ICC East Asia Cricket Eights Festival, held from Feb. 25 through March 1 in Perth, Australia. Other participants were Australia's indigenous team, Japan and South Korea.

"Indonesia achieved a tremendous result considering that the Indonesian Cricket Foundation only became an affiliate member of ICC about six months ago when it participated in the event," ICC's regional development manager for East Asia and Pacific, Matthew Kennedy told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

"As for Japan, which was crowned East Asia champion, the Japanese have played the sport for some 12 years now," he added.

Kennedy was accompanied by WACA's community cricket manager Phil Gregson and ICF's newly appointed administrator, Deniz Ramis.

Gregson said WACA would cooperate with its Indonesian counterpart to organize a comprehensive five-year plan to develop cricket here.

"We are keen to be involved in this development program but it will take time. It will include activities such as player- coaching and development, training for coaches, as well as promotional and marketing efforts," he said.

"In the long term, we will organize tests between both sides or exchanges of players," he added.

So far, the sport has been played mainly by expatriates residing in Jakarta and several other cities, from Commonwealth countries such as Australia, the UK and India.

But the ICF, founded in June 2000, has started development projects to introduce cricket to schools in Bogor, Denpasar and Jakarta.

Ramis said he would prefer to strengthen existing cricket spots in Indonesia instead of embarking on a rapid extension program.

"It is better to consolidate the existing pockets so there will be a solid base of able cricketers. Then we can think of developing it in other cities," he said.

"We will concentrate at the junior level, such as school students, so there will be sufficient cricketers by 2010."

Kennedy expected ICF to improve its national team to represent Indonesia at the 2003 East Asia Cricket Festival, to be staged in either Indonesia or Japan.

Indonesia will also take part, for the first time, in the 2004 World Cup qualifier to be held in New Zealand.