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)