Jakarta to get bowling centers

JAKARTA (JP): It is high time for Jakarta to have new bowling centers to help produce talented athletes in this indoor sport, Indonesia Ten-pin Bowling Association (PBI) chief says.

After two decades in Jakarta, bowling is losing popularity, and the number of bowling centers has decreased. "Now we only have some 200 lanes in three different locations. Many bowling centers were closed in the last ten years," PBI chief Oke Supit said yesterday.

In close cooperation with a private company, PBI will hold a one-day seminar called "Bowling has good prospects as a recreational sport" on May 21.

"The seminar was originally to be held on May 4 but due to the death of First Lady Tien Soeharto, we decided to move it to May 21," Soegeng Sarjadi, president director of PT Indomulti Sportindo told newsmen. The company represents America-based Brunswick which produces bowling equipment. (rsl)