League organizers hope to prevent kickoff disaster
League organizers hope to prevent kickoff disaster
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The organizing committee of the
seventh Bank Mandiri Indonesian soccer league opening ceremony is
working hard to avoid any disasters occurring during the
nationwide televised kickoff at Mattoangin Stadium on Sunday.
The organizers chairman, Ilham Arief Siradjuddin, told The
Jakarta Post on Saturday that the organizers were working with
the police and military to provide special security because the
Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Agum Gumelar, who
is also minister of communications, would officially kickoff the
league.
"We don't want to experience riots during the opening, such as
that which happened in the sixth league's opening in Semarang
last year. Therefore, we'll ask the security personnel to tighten
security. We'll also approach groups of local supporters," Ilham
said.
About 400 police officers will be deployed at Sunday's
opening.
"Earlier in the morning, the bomb squad will carefully and
thoroughly check the stadium as a precaution before we start the
opening ceremony," Ilham said.
The bomb squad is being used as a precaution after the blasts
that rocked the country on Christmas Eve.
Soccer matches in Indonesia have always been colored with
violence, mainly because of fanatical supporters' inability to
accept their team's defeat. Agum has called on supporters to
behave.
Ilham said the stadium would be ready for the opening. The
organizers have upgraded the dais, roof, seats and lighting
system.
The organizers said the opening ceremony, which will be aired
live on state TVRI on Sunday at 4:30 p.m., will cost Rp 150
million (US$15,800).
The opening will feature Pakkanjara and Ganrang Bulo
traditional dances, which will include 600 local dancers.
Ilham said the opening would contain Bugis Makassar
traditional activities including Pa'raga (Makassar traditional
soccer).
Defending champion PSM of Makassar will play Persipura of
Irian Jaya in the opening match. (27)