League matches may be stopped, PSSI warns
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)