Minister awaits response from MUI, YLKI on Damura

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Social Affairs and National Board of Social Welfare head Anak Agung Gde Agung is waiting for the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) and the Indonesian Consumers Agency (YLKI) to respond to proposed fund-raising program Damura (the People's Fund for Sports).

Speaking during a break in a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission VII for population and social affairs, Anak Agung said input from MUI, YLKI and the commission would be brought to the President.

"We sent letters to MUI and YLKI yesterday asking them to give suggestions on the program. We also hope the commission members can give us feedback on the matter. We are still waiting for their responses before making a joint decision if Damura can go forward," he said.

Anak Agung hoped a decision could be made before April, when the National Sports Council (KONI) and PT Mutiara Mandala Mahardhika (PT 3M) plan to beginning selling coupons for the program.

"The permit issued by the former minister of social services, Ibu Justika Baharsyah, could be withdrawn if the public demands it. We have to take the side of the people.

"We learned from the previous experience of the lottery, which was banned by the government, that selling such coupons could encourage people to gamble. It could also create problems for people who use their salaries to buy coupons.

"We don't want poor people to subsidize sports by buying coupons, instead of the people who have the means," he said.

Commission member Sukardi Harun from the United Development Party faction warned his colleagues to study the proposed program carefully and give the correct recommendation to the government.

"The organizers may say the coupons don't contain numbers, but they have picture and people have to scratch them to try and match the same three pictures to win prize money. I think it's gambling.

"We have to be extra careful in giving our recommendation on this program. Don't make Damura stand for Datangnya musibah untuk rakyat (the people's upcoming misery)," he said.

Sukardi said PT 3M claimed in an information sheet that Damura was aimed at the well-off and would only be sold in hotels.

"I can't believe that. How can Rp 5,000 (70 US cents) coupons be sold to the haves. It's much too cheap for them. Besides, the highest amount of prize money, Rp 25 million, is still too small for them," he said.

Sukardi said the commission would set up a special team to study Damura and further discuss the program.

Anak Agung said the situation was complicated because PT 3M already secured a permit from the Ministry of Social Services in September 1999. The company also earlier received the approval of the House for the program.

"If we withdraw the permit, how will people view the government. They can accuse us of not being serious in issuing permits. It's a very valuable lesson for the ministry not to issue permits for fund-raising programs too quickly," he said.

Anak Agung said his office would arrange for all fund-raising programs and charities to be audited.

Discussing the proper way to raise funds, Anak Agung said KONI could stage charity galas or ask businesspeople to use some of their profits to fund sports, without increasing the price of their products.

Sukardi agreed businesspeople should be sought to fund sports development rather than raising money through controversial programs. (yan)