League matches may be stopped, PSSI warns

JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) will suspend the league program due to the worsening political situation only if requested to do so by the Armed Forces Commander.

Chairman of the federation Azwar Anas said yesterday he had written to the Minister of Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto to ask whether the league should be suspended for security reasons.

Azwar said Wiranto had not yet responded to his letter. Pending Wiranto's decision, Azwar said the competition would continue.

"We cannot tolerate violence in sport, especially soccer, which is the most popular sport," Azwar said.

He was referring to a number of riots at soccer matches earlier this month. He suspected the riots were part of the country-wide movement demanding political and economic reform.

"The incidents were not simply riots caused by the soccer crowd. Certain people who want to spark social disturbance may have been involved," Azwar said.

It was the second statement on the issue made by Azwar. He also commented on the disturbances at the federation's anniversary celebrations last week.

Former Armed Forces commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung called a one-month lull in the competition while the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly was sitting. The league resumed on March 22.

Azwar said the federation had earlier requested more security back-up for league matches from the Armed Forces to act as a deterrent to any further incidents.

The federation plans to discuss these latest developments with club owners before the league enters the pre-quarterfinal stage next month, according to Azwar.

"We will focus on necessary security measures during matches," Azwar said.

There are 89 matches left before the league enters the knock- out stage. A total of 317 matches will be played during the regular season.

Riots erupted on May 6 in Surakarta, Central Java when Arseto hosted Pelita from Jakarta. Angry spectators ransacked buildings along Jl. Slamet Riadi after clashing with security personnel inside the Sriwedari Stadium.

Riots have also subsequently tarnished matches in Medan in North Sumatra, Tangerang and Cimahi in West Java, Surabaya in East Java, Ujungpandang in South Sulawesi, and Yogyakarta.

Riot police fired warning shots and tear gas to disperse angry mobs in Medan and Tangerang. Dozens of people were arrested after the stampede.

In Medan, trouble began after the home side, PSMS, lost 1-0 to PSIS Semarang. The disappointed crowd attacked visiting players, forcing security personnel to deploy stern measures.

The unrest came just one day after a violent student rally in the North Sumatran capital. The rally left one student dead and degenerated into ethnic rioting. (emf)