Persija field to be developed

Persija field to be developed

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has invited investors to
develop the poorly managed Jakarta Soccer Club's (Persija) field
in Menteng, Central Jakarta, into a better stadium with an
underground business center.

He also said interested developers could transform the
existing parking lot in front of the field into a business
center.

"I will be pleased if there is a developer who wants to build
on the area as long as the soccer field can be dressed up," the
governor said on Wednesday.

According to him, the city administration under the
governorship of Surjadi Soedirdja rejected in 1997 a proposal
submitted by a developer controlled by former president
Soeharto's son-in-law Indra Rukmana.

The developer wanted to construct a business center in the
parking lot while the soccer field would become a parking lot.

Chairman of the Persija foundation Ahmaddin Ahmad said on
Monday that the soccer club, with the cooperation with a
developer, plans to realize the plan.

"The development plan remains the same but we are not
involving Indra Rukmana any longer," Ahmaddin, head of the city
planning agency, said.

However, he did not name the company or say when the work
would begin.

Head of Commission D for development affairs Ali Wongso Sinaga
said the city administration would have to keep the soccer field.

"It's a public place. This sports field is very important
right now. Its existence could avoid people becoming involved in
drugs," Ali said.

He said the council would not reject the plan as long as the
soccer field was not demolished. (jun)