No plan to build apartment on soccer field

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja toned down fears yesterday that a soccer field, a rare thing in the city, would have to make way for an apartment project.

He denied reports that a five-story apartment building would be built on a soccer field managed by the Jakarta Soccer Association, Persija, in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

It was earlier reported that a private investor sent a proposal to the city to build an apartment at the request of Persija executives.

"It's not true," Surjadi said yesterday.

Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi had said the plan was initially proposed by the association and his mayoralty had approved it.

He had said the project, if approved, would not take up the entire field. He declined to identify the apartment developer.

The city assistant secretary on economic and development affairs, Prawoto S. Danoemihardjo, said earlier that the private company to build the apartment had sent the proposal to the municipality.

He said the field "would only have to move a bit".

The head of City Planning, Ahmaddin Ahmad, said Tuesday the plan to build the apartment building in the field was against designated land use in the area.

"Land use in the area is set up for green areas and sports facilities," Ahmaddin said.

He suggested that the municipality consider the plan carefully before giving its approval.

Councilor Zakiruddin Djamin of the Golkar faction said earlier the plan should be rejected, saying the city needed the sports facility.

"What will happen to soccer in Jakarta if the field is turned into an apartment building?" he asked.

He suggested that the municipality build more apartments in East Jakarta.

"Don't replace sports facilities (with apartments). In Central Jakarta, there are already many apartments," Zakiruddin said. (ste)