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)