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)