PSSI to proceed with soccer playoffs in Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): The National Police issued a permit at the eleventh hour on Monday to organizers of the Indonesian soccer league (Ligina) playoffs despite a strong fear of hooliganism.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar told reporters the permit was produced from serious and thorough meetings among high-ranking police officers, the organizers and officials of the All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI), which were required because of recent unrest in the capital.

"We're not afraid to safeguard (the event) and I stressed that we're all ready to secure this national-scale event, so the permit has been issued. But the one condition is the organizing committee has to also be responsible for security inside the venue and its vicinity," Togar said.

The league, to kick off on Tuesday at the main Senayan stadium, will feature 23 matches, including semifinals and the final.

Ten teams -- Semen Padang, Persikota Tangerang, Petrokimia Putra, Persebaya, PSIS Semarang, Persija Jakarta, Pelita Bakrie, Pupuk Kaltim, PSMS Medan and PSM Ujungpandang -- will compete in the event, which will end on April 4. Matches are scheduled to take place at Senayan soccer stadium, Jakarta.

Togar said the police urged the organizers to closely monitor fervent fans of teams from other cities.

When asked why the permit was issued at the last minute, Togar declined to answer and said the decision only came after discussions among high-ranking officials.

Separately, National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar expressed hope the fans would not cause riots in the capital.

"Security officers must focus their attention on the league. I don't expect any riots here because it's also KONI's responsibility. And I don't want the league to be moved to Cimahi because the field does not meet the standard," he said.

PSSI plans to move the playoffs to Cimahi, about 180 kilometers southeast of here, if riots occurred during the playoffs.

PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar said in an interview on TVRI that PSSI has asked assistance from the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), the marines and the city branch of the organizations of private land transportation company owners (Organda) to provide hundreds of trucks to move fans from the stadium to their residences.

"The most critical moment is after the match when spectators are concentrated in the venue. Mass concentration can trigger chaos," he said.

Persija fan club secretary Revie said that the club, better known as Jak mania, would prepare 500 people to coordinate thousands of fans at the Senayan basketball hall before walking to the main stadium.

Persebaya fans coordinator Pradipta said about 1,500 people would coordinate about 15,000 fans from East Java.

"We predict 15,000 fans will come if Persebaya reaches the semifinals. We'll screen fans in several cities like Semarang, Surakarta and Cirebon before they arrive here. We'll also deploy our coordinators in Senen and Jatinegara train stations and Lebak Bulus, Cikampek and Pulo Gadung bus stations," he said.

The prospect of the playoffs have deterred the usual joggers and vendors in the area.

"I prefer to jog in another place or do other sports," said Irawan. "Well, it's impossible to exercise here due to the many soccer fans."

"We have learned from our experience that bonek (hooligans) never pay for what they take," many vendors said.

Pelita's coach Danurwindo said in a welcome ceremony that his team would do its utmost to win its first match.

"We don't want to lose one point in our first match because it's really important for us," he said.

Pelita, which meets Persija, is relying on national players including goalkeeper Kurnia Sandy and Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto. Persija also pins its hopes on national players Widodo C. Putro and Nuralim.

"Our players are as strong as Persija's. But we must guard Persija's Widodo and Rocky (Putiray)," he said.

Danurwindo also brushed off an earlier report that Pelita's players were reluctant to compete in the playoffs because they had not received their salaries.

"We have solved our internal conflict. The players said they would concentrate on the league until the end of the playoffs," he said. (emf/ivy/yan)

Indonesian Soccer League schedule

March 16: Semen Padang v Persikota (4 p.m.); Persija v Pelita Bakrie (6:15 p.m.)

March 17: Pupuk Kaltim v PSMS (4 p.m.); Petrokimia v Persebaya (6:15 p.m.)

March 18: Persikota v PSIS (4 p.m.); Pelita Bakrie v PSM (6:15 p.m.)

March 19: PSMS v Persija (4 p.m.); Persebaya v Semen Padang (6:15 p.m.)

March 20: PSM v Pupuk Kaltim (4 p.m.); PSIS v Petrokimia Putra (6:15 p.m.)

March 21: Pelita Bakrie v PSMS (4 p.m.); Persikota v Persebaya (6:15 p.m.)

March 23: PSIS v Semen Padang (4 p.m.); PSM v Persija (6:15 p.m.)

March 24: Pupuk Kaltim v Pelita Bakrie (4 p.m.); Petrokimia Putra v Persikota (6:15 p.m.)

March 25: Persebaya v PSIS (4 p.m.); PSMS v PSM (6 p.m.)

March 26: Semen Padang v Petrokimia Putra (4 p.m.); Persija v Pupuk Kaltim (6:15 p.m.)