New state enterprise may run sports complex

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In a bid to end the long-running dispute over the management of the Bung Karno sports complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, State Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Tuesday that his office would soon consult with the Finance Ministry on the establishment of a state enterprise (BUMN) especially designed to manage the lucrative complex.

"I will meet the finance minister, who has the authority to determine the BUMN's status," Bambang said at a hearing before Commission I for state affairs in Jakarta.

The sports complex is currently controlled by the Bung Karno Sports Complex Management Board, which was established by the State Secretary.

The dispute emerged following the implementation of Regional Autonomy Law No.2/2000 which prompted Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso in August to demand the right to manage the complex.

At that time, Sutiyoso also said that there were irregularities under the current management, such as the construction of Hotel Mulia and Plaza Senayan.

Two private firms, PT City Neon Prima Mandiri and PT Anggara Ind., recently had to demolish their exhibition buildings in the sports complex.

City Bylaw No. 6/1999 on zoning stipulates that the sports stadium area in Senayan, Central Jakarta, should only be used for sporting activities.

Chairman of the Bung Karno Sports Complex Management Board, Mardowo, meanwhile said that his office was currently making preparations for the establishment of the state enterprise.

"The team set up by the president has not yet finished the outline to be submitted to the finance ministry. Therefore, the status of the sports complex remains the same," he said.

He confirmed that the assets of the sports complex had been audited by the National Audit Body (BPK) and the Audit Body for Finance and Development (BPKP).

"But we have not received the results," he said.