Minister decries Senayan soccer violence

Minister decries Senayan soccer violence

The Jakarta Post
Jakarta

State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Adhyaksa Dault has
called for concrete action to deal with soccer hooliganism after
violence marred Sunday's Indonesian League final.

"The government must step in to handle this problem, as nearly
every soccer game is accompanied by chaos. It's very
embarrassing," he was quoted as saying by Antara news service at
the opening of the National Disabled Students Sports Week in
Surakarta.

He said the government would summon the National Sports
Council, Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) and the clubs to
discuss the violence that followed Persipura Jayapura's 3-2 win
over hometown side Persija in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

"Where is the responsibility of the clubs who gather together
that many people and then leave them to their own devices? We
will ask them to correct this (behavior) and to be accountable."

Adhyaksa said the wave of hooliganism -- including violence
after a preliminary game on Sept. 16 in the capital -- was
particularly disturbing as the country prepares to host the Asia
Cup in 2007.

PSSI said on Monday it was trying to put a figure on the
postmatch damage.

"We are adding up the total losses," PSSI secretary-general
Nugraha Besoes was quoted as saying by Antara.

He added that it would take up to two days for the soccer body
and the administration of Bung Karno stadium to determine the
figure.

The Jakarta Police said 74 people were detained, 22 vehicles
damaged and 41 people injured. The latter consisted of 23 police
personnel, six supporters and 13 passersby.

"The 74 people who were caught are undergoing intense
questioning. The ones proven to have been involved in the
disruption will be charged, while the others will be freed
tonight," city police public information chief Ketut Untung Yoga
Ana said on Monday.

Of the 22 vehicles damaged, 11 belonged to members of the
public, while the others were from the city police. Most of the
vehicles had their windows shattered or rear view mirrors stolen,
but two police vehicles were burned.

PSSI also suffered huge losses in ticket sales for the final.

The association sold only 30 percent of its target of 80,000
tickets valued at Rp 1.4 million. Many of the fans were able to
access the stadium through a separate gate, he added.