Kurniawan signs Coca-Cola deal

Kurniawan signs Coca-Cola deal

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's new soccer idol Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto signed an advertising deal yesterday with leading softdrink maker Coca-cola.

According to the one-year agreement, Kurniawan's picture and biography will adorn more than 416,600 cans of Coke until June 30.

"Kurniawan may also help us promote our products by starring in our commercials," Johannes Wardhana of Coca-cola said. "The deal is merely based on the goodwill of both parties."

Kurniawan, a member of the national Olympic team who plays for the Swiss premier league side Lucerne, is one of the five outstanding athletes who was selected to represent their sporting organizations in the fundraising program.

The other athletes are badminton queen Susi Susanti, female archer Nurfitriyana, boxer Albert Papilaya and sprinter Mardi Lestari. Basketball was also picked, though no cagers will grace any canned drinks. The sport will be represented by a motto saying: "Basketball is our game."

Proceeds will go to the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI). Kurniawan's share will be decided later by the national soccer governing body.

PSSI Secretary-General Soeparjo Pontjowinoto said Kurniawan was selected by a board of coaches. "We prefer a young and skillful player to an experienced one for the sake of our long- term talent scouting program," he said.

The commercial deal signed yesterday followed the previous agreement made by the company and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on March 28.

Coca-Cola will contribute Rp 20 from each can sold to the national sports development body. A total of Rp 250 million (US$113,600) is expected to be raised. (amd)