'Magic' to come next year

JAKARTA (JP): Former NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson is expected to visit Indonesia early next year for a friendly match, a source said yesterday.

Johnson, who was banned from entering Indonesia in January 1994 because he suffered from HIV, and his team - the Magic Johnson All Stars - are to challenge Indonesia's national team and Aspac, the winner of the NBA-like Kobatama league, at the Senayan Indoor Stadium on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9.

The source said that the organizers are still waiting for an official permit from the State Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Office before promoting the event to the public.

The permit is expected to be issued this week but the organizers may have to wait until next week, the source said.

Johnson was a star for the LA Lakers before retiring after contracting HIV. He was a member of the first Dream Team in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona which easily won the gold medal.

Johnson is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 6 or Jan. 7, the source said. (yan)