Minister says clubs also at fault in 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 billion. Many of the fans were able to access the stadium through a separate gate, he added.