Moerdiono says no new sports center planned
Moerdiono says no new sports center planned
JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono yesterday
categorically denied rumors that the government is planning to
build a new sports complex which will be bigger and more complete
than the existing one in Senayan.
Moerdiono, who heads the agency which manages the Senayan
complex, said he welcomed any private initiatives to build sports
facilities in Jakarta provided they don't use the name "Senayan
II".
He told a hearing with the House of Representatives that the
existing sports facilities in Senayan are deemed adequate for
present needs and cover virtually all sports branches.
The only exceptions are water and air sports. These facilities
have been built outside the complex and are not managed by the
Senayan agency, he said.
Rumors about a Senayan II project in the Cipulir/Ciledug area
in South Jakarta has persistently surfaced in recent years,
causing apprehension among residents in the two districts because
land speculators have been lurking in their area.
The rumors gained currency as Indonesia appears to be bidding
to host the Asian Games early next century.
The issue was brought up by members of the House's Commission
II, which deals with domestic politics, during the hearing with
Moerdiono yesterday.
No urgency
The agency did not see any urgency for building a new sports
complex, at least in the foreseeable future, the minister said.
"The condition of the Senayan Sports Complex is still quite good
and is technically acceptable."
The Senayan agency will continue to upgrade, renovate and
repair the facilities in the complex, he said, adding that one of
the new facilities being considered is indoor tennis.
He also promised that the Senayan management agency will
continue to improve the services provided to the public.
The Senayan sports complex does not receive any government
funding and is financed entirely by the fees it charges the
public, he said.
The management will continue to make sure that the fees are
always fair, he added. (emb/fai)