Moerdiono to open posh tennis complex

JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, in his capacity as chairman of Tennis Development Foundation Indonesian (Yaporti), is scheduled to inaugurate a Rp 8 billion (US$ 3.8 million) tennis complex built by various companies in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta today.

The tennis complex, which covers a 4.3 hectare site, features nine outdoor courts, 10 indoor courts and a tennis-stadium.

"When everything is completed, this place will be as grand as Rolland Garros in Paris or Flushing Meadows in New York," said Sugeng Sarijadi, an executive from the Kodel Group - one of the companies which built the new arena.

Sugeng was quoted by Antara as saying Wednesday that a hospital, a three-star athlete's hotel and indoor tennis stadium will be constructed soon.

However, the executive was not certain whether the new tennis complex will host international tennis tournaments regularly - especially those with similar standards to the Grand Slam events.

"What I do know is that the next Masters Satellite tournament tourney will take place here next September," the executive said.

He did not explain how the investment for the posh complex could be returned if quality international championships cannot be held periodically there.

The inauguration ceremony today will also mark the opening of the 20th Thamrin Cup junior tennis tournament.

After the ceremony, entertainment will be provided by a battle of the sexes match between veteran Yustedjo Tarik, who is in his 40's, and Romana Tedjakusuma, an 18 year old rising star. (hdj)